Last year, SALDEF launched the Sikh American Community’s first ever Congressional Internship Program, under its new SikhLEAD initiative, to encourage political and civic engagement amongst Sikh American youth. The program partners with Congressional offices to place exceptional Sikh American college students and recent graduates in internship positions on Capitol Hill.
For this summer’s interns, SALDEF is pleased to announce stipends of $1,500 for successful completion of the Congressional Internship Program.  Stipends will help interns offset travel and accommodation costs.

APPLY ONLINE TO INTERN WITH A MEMBER OF CONGRESS!
Through this program, young Sikh American leaders will have access to a competitive opportunity that will serve to further their academic and professional aspirations.  Additionally, throughout the internship, SALDEF will host a series of special programming events including, leadership workshops, networking events, and social outings in DC, to further contribute to the overall experience of the interns.

Students of all academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Application deadline for summer 2012 is February 26th at 11:59PM EST. Early applications will be given preference. Apply online here!

This exciting experience will allow interns to:

• explore a potential career track
• create a network of contacts
• develop professional skills and build confidence

Financial support for Interns is provided by generous support from community members like you.  If you are interested in supporting a Sikh American intern this summer, please contact us.

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Army to Allow Turbans in Junior ROTC

The Department of Defense will now allow Sikh and Muslim students participating in Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) to wear turbans and headscarves while in uniform. This victory was won by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) for responding to an incident in which a Muslim teen quit JROTC when her commanding officer would not allow her to wear her hijab in the homecoming parade.  The Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army stated in a letter to CAIR that, “the Army has reviewed its JROTC uniform policy and will develop appropriate procedures to provide Cadets the opportunity to request the wear of religious head dress, such as the turban and hijab.”

If you have an issue with your high school JROTC, contact us.

SALDEF Year End Fundraising Goal Exceeded!

With the community’s generous support we surpassed our 2011 year end fundraising goal to raise $75,000.  SALDEF would like to thank everyone for their generous donations! This money will help us continue our mission of defending, informing and empowering Sikh Americans. We could not do this without your generous support!  You can support our work year round, or monthly with a recurring donation at www.saldef.org/donate.

Learn more about our work in our newly released annual report.

UPDATE: India Abroad Apologizes

In November 2011, SALDEF responded to an extremely offensive letter to the editor printed in India Abroad blaming Sikh Americans for the ill treatment they may receive. SALDEF took issue with the author’s words as well as India Abroad’s decision to print such a letter. In their December 9, 2011 publication, the editors of India Abroad printed an apology, stating in part, “[We] sincerely apologize for hurting any sentiments caused by the publication of the said letter.” Read the full apology here.

Attention all College Students and Recent Graduates

SALDEF’s SikhLEAD Internship Program partners with congressional offices to place exceptional Sikh American college students and recent graduates in internship positions on Capitol Hill. Through this program, Sikh American young leaders will have access to a competitive opportunity that will serve to further their academic and professional aspirations. Spend your summer in Washington, DC interning with a member of Congress. Make this a summer you won’t forget and gain valuable experience to build your future!
Application deadline for summer 2012 is February 26th at 11:59PM EST.
Early applications will be given preference. Apply online here!

SALDEF Conducts Law Enforcement Training for Howard County, MD Police

Jasjit Singh, SALDEF Associate Executive Director, conducted a Law Enforcement Partnership Program training for new recruits in the Howard County Maryland Police Department on December 23rd, 2011. The training provided information on the Sikh faith and theology, as well as the challenges Sikh Americans face on a daily basis. Participants watched On Common Ground, a training film co-produced by SALDEF and the Department of Justice, to help articulate the steps officers can take to identify and respect members of the Sikh faith.

SALDEF Hosts Successful Know Your Rights Forums in California

On December 4th and 11th, Know Your Rights Forum events were hosted in Northern and Southern California to address local sangat issues around workplace discrimination, hate crimes, biased incidents and more.  Guest speakers from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and the Department of Justice, Office of Community Relations Services all spoke to the sangat members in detail regarding their civil rights.  Special thanks to Gurdwara management at Gurdwara Sahib San Jose, San Jose and Guru Nanak Sikh Temple, Buena Park.

2012 Sikh Awareness Pocket Calendars Available

It’s not too late to place your order for SALDEF’s Sikh Awareness Pocket Calendars. Educate your neighbors, friends, and co-workers about Sikh Americans in an easy, informative way through our annual pocket calendars. In their ninth year of production, the 2012 calendars feature full-color images of Sikh Americans, along with examples of core Sikh values and facts about Sikhs in the United States. In a new folded style, the calendars are the size of standard business cards. Sikhs across the nation have distributed them at their workplace, schools, convenience stores, gas stations, taxi cabs, senior citizens centers, and public libraries.

SALDEF Participates in Anti-Bullying Circle

On December 5th, 2011, SALDEF participated in SAALT’s (South Asian Americans Leading Together) DC SAALT Circle, a group of community members who meet bimonthly to discuss issues within the community. The December SAALT Circle addressed the issue of bullying and the South Asian community. SALDEF discussed the impact of bullying from a community level and shared ways that communities can work to reduce and react to bullying. Other speakers on the panel were Akil Vohra from the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and Shawn Gaylord from GLSEN.

SHARE: Click here to email and share your story about bullying with SALDEF.

Scholarship Opportunity Available for High School and College Students

The International Institute of Gurmat Studies (IIGS) announces two scholarships ($500.00 each) in memory of its founder Captain K.H. Singh for Sikh Youth who are High School seniors or current college students. The purpose is to award and promote Sikh Youth as they pursue their educational goals. Deadline to receive applications is January 15, 2012. Details are also available via www.iigs.com.  To apply, click here.

Upcoming Events

• January 5 – Yolo County District Attorney’s Office Training – Woodland, CA
• January 11 – Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Training  – Philadelphia, PA
• January 23 —U.S. Park Police Training – Washington, D.C.
• January 29 – Know Your Rights Forum – Riverside, CA
• February 8 – Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Training – Los Angeles, CA
• February 21 – U.S. Park Police Training – Washington, D.C.

SALDEF’s SikhLEAD Internship Program partners with congressional offices to place exceptional Sikh American college students and recent graduates in internship positions on Capitol Hill. Through this program, Sikh American young leaders will have access to a competitive opportunity that will serve to further their academic and professional aspirations.

APPLY ONLINE TO INTERN WITH A MEMBER OF CONGRESS!

SALDEF seeks to develop leadership skills, encourage political and civic engagement, and foster interest in public service careers by providing the unparalleled experience of interning for a member of Congress.

This exciting experience will allow interns to:

• explore a potential career track
• create a network of contacts
• develop professional skills and build confidence

Throughout the internship, SALDEF will also host a series of special programming events including, leadership workshops, networking events, and social outings in DC, to further contribute to the overall experience of the Interns and to aid in development of the next generation of our community’s leaders.

Application deadline for summer 2012 is February 26th at 11:59PM EST. Early applications will be given preference. Apply online here!

If you know college students or recent graduates who are looking for a meaningful opportunity and would want to intern for a member of Congress this summer, spread the word!

• In January SALDEF secured a formal apology from National Geographic, following the broadcasting of images of Sikhs linking them to terrorism and Al Qaeda. Furthermore, the program in question has been edited to remove the images of Sikhs altogether for any future broadcasts, ensuring further misrepresentations of the Sikh community will not occur.
• SALDEF also secured a formal apology in March from RTTV, a global multilingual television news network based in Russia following their news broadcast that repeatedly depicted a Sikh man during a report on Muslims. In response to a letter immediately issued by SALDEF bringing the matter to their attention, RTTV formally apologized and removed the erroneous broadcast from their website.

• In May, two major news outlets, CNN and Financial Times (FT), published online articles about Osama bin Laden using images of a Sikh to supplement the news stories. SALDEF contacted editors at both outlets and alerted them to the inappropriate use of the image, at which point both news outlets removed the images.

• Last month, India Abroad published a highly offensive letter to the editor which stated that Sikhs have no one to blame for the challenges they face if they continue to wear their articles of faith.  SALDEF immediately contacted India Abroad to question the editors’ discretion in publishing the comments and responded with a letter of our own published in the November 11 edition.

You can help ensure that Sikh Americans will be positively portrayed in the media by:

Supporting our “15 for 15” year-end fundraising drive with a 100% tax deductible donation today. Become a monthly donor at $15/month to recognize our 15 years of service or help us reach our year-end target of $75,000 with a generous contribution.

Consider that your donation of:

• $250 helps us release a nationwide press release about an Anti-Sikh Hate Crime
• $1,000 sponsors a press conference
• $5,000 supports our effort to hire a full-time media analyst

Your support helps amplify the Sikh American voice! Please take a few moments and click here to donate to SALDEF.

In 1996, when a Sikh American man in Ohio was arrested for wearing his kirpan and charged with carrying a concealed weapon, SALDEF was there. SALDEF provided resources and legal support. Ultimately, the charges were overturned and in the opinion a judge stated that “To be a Sikh is to wear a kirpan–it is that simple.” Even today, this opinion is used when challenges arise to Sikh Americans’ right to wear a kirpan.

When airport screening procedures changed dramatically after 9/11, SALDEF was there. SALDEF was the first organization after 9/11 to meet with Department of Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta and present information to the FAA for the “appropriate and sensitive” handling of Sikh American passengers. SALDEF also conducted awareness and protocol training about Sikhs at Albany International Airport in response to the first reported incident of illegal turban removal after 9/11 by airport security screeners in October 2001.

When seeking the 2004 Democratic Presidential nomination, John Kerry made a statement singling out the Sikh religion as an example of a terrorist group. SALDEF was there and obtained an apology from Kerry.

When a Sikh American father and son were told they would not be permitted to wear turbans in their driver’s license photos, SALDEF was there. Because of SALDEF’s efforts, the Georgia Department of Driver Services apologized, revised their policy, and agreed to undergo SALDEF’s cultural awareness trainings to ensure that such incidents will not happen again.

When Arizona lawmakers proposed to remove the name of Balbir Singh Sodhi, the first post-9/11 fatality, from the state’s 9/11 memorial, SALDEF was there. In less than 3 days, SALDEF collected and sent over 7,500 signatures to the Arizona Governor urging her to veto the bill. As a result of these efforts, the Governor vetoed the bill during a meeting with the family of Balbir Singh Sodhi.

Will you be there for SALDEF? Support us with a generous year-end donation or monthly donation so that we can reach our goal of $75,000 and can continue to be there for the Sikh American community. To donate, visit www.SALDEF.org/donate

To know that…
If you are discriminated against at work based on your religion, SALDEF can help. When Sahaj Singh Khalsa faced religious discrimination, harassment and assault in the workplace, he contacted SALDEF. “All I wanted was to do my job helping people in my community get the urgent medical care they needed. My Sikh religion did not prevent me from performing that job, but the prejudice of my supervisors did. I am thankful that organizations like the ACLU and SALDEF are safeguarding our basic freedoms.”

To know that…
If you are targeted at an airport, SALDEF can help. SALDEF regularly meets with TSA and DHS to work to ensure that your travel experience is a positive one.  In fact, earlier this year, SALDEF was invited to participate in a panel designed to help inform the U.S. Department of Homeland Security about concerns and community perceptions related to the use of new airport screening technology. During the panel, SALDEF voiced possible concerns around invasive screening that the Sikh American Community may have with proposed technologies.

To know that…
If you are having an issue with your local police department or school district, SALDEF can help.  SALDEF has conducted dozens of Know Your Rights forums in cities across the country to connect local officials with local Sikh American communities.  These forums empower community members by informing them of their rights and building relationships at the local level with authorities who can protect those rights.

SALDEF can help you in many ways, but today, we are asking you to help us. Please support our end of year 15 for 15 campaign and become a monthly donor at the $15 level in recognition of our 15 years of service to the community.  Help us reach our year-end target of $75,000 with a generous donation to help ensure that we can continue to defend, inform and empower the Sikh American community.

This landmark legislation aims to eliminate racial and religious profiling that has singled out various minority communities, including Sikh Americans, in the United States. A version of this bill is also making its way through the Senate. Send a message to your Senators and Representatives asking them for their support in putting an end to racial profiling.

The End Racial Profiling Act of 2011 (H.R. 3618) will:

• Prohibit racial profiling by any law enforcement agent or law enforcement agency
• Require training on racial profiling issues as part of law enforcement training
• Mandate the collection of data with detail sufficient to permit an analysis of whether a law enforcement agency is engaging in racial profiling
• Create procedures for receiving, investigating, and responding meaningfully to complaints alleging racial profiling by law enforcement agents
• Provide an individual injured by racial profiling to file a civil action for declaratory or injunctive relief

Take Action: Tell your Representative to Support The End Racial Profiling Act

Since September 11, 2001, Sikh Americans have become all too familiar with instances of racial profiling by the United States government. The most prevalent example is the additional security screening of Sikh American travelers at airports.

TAKE ACTION NOW! Send a message to your Representative urging them to support this historic piece of legislation or thanking them if they have already expressed support. Personalize your letter to make it even more effective. Tell your Representative that putting an end to racial and religious profiling is important to you!

Order your pocket calendars today!

In their ninth year of production, the 2012 calendars feature full-color images of Sikh Americans, along with examples of core Sikh values and facts about Sikhs in the United States. In a new folded style, the cards have a 2012 calendar in an easy-to-use design that fits the sizing of standard business cards.

To reach out even more effectively, Spanish language versions are also available.

The annual SALDEF Pocket Calendars have already been widely distributed; place your order today! This handy resource can be used in your local community to educate and increase awareness of Sikhs and Sikhi.

The calendars are perfect for distribution at your workplace, schools, convenience stores, gas stations, taxi cabs, restaurants, senior citizens centers, or public libraries. Sikhs across the nation have shared them with their friends, neighbors, customers, and local officials.

SALDEF encourages the Sikh American community to take initiative in informing and educating others about their culture and faith.

The calendars are available in bundles of 100 for $10 plus shipping and handling fees.

Order your pocket calendars today!

SALDEF Provides Input on Future Airport Technologies
SALDEF was invited to participate in the Community Perceptions of Technology Panel held on November 8th, 2011. The panel was designed to help inform the U.S. Department of Homeland Security about concerns and community perceptions related to the use of new airport screening technology. During this panel, SALDEF voiced possible concerns around invasive screening that the Sikh American Community may have with proposed technologies.

SALDEF Meets with United States Commission on Civil Rights Leadership
On November 17, 2011, SALDEF attended a meeting with the Chair, Marty Castro, and Vice-Chair, Abigail Thernstrom, of the Unites States Commission on Civil Rights (USCCR). USCCR is an independent, bipartisan, fact-finding federal agency, whose mission is to inform the development of national civil rights policy and enhance enforcement of federal civil rights laws. During the meeting, which was attended by many other prominent national civil rights and human rights organizations, SALDEF raised the importance to the Commission of being aware of the challenges that Sikhs are facing in schools and workplaces across the country.

SALDEF Advocates for Stronger Anti-Bullying Legislation
On November 21, 2011, SALDEF’s Legal and Legislative Affairs Associate, Amrita Singh, along with members of the National Safe School Partnership visited almost 50 congressional offices in an effort to gain support for the Safe Schools Improvement Act.  The Safe Schools Improvement Act will strengthen measures to prevent the bullying and harassment of students in public elementary and secondary schools. Your support is needed to pass this bill!

SHARE: Click here to email and share your story about bullying with SALDEF.

SALDEF Participates in Panel on Islamaphobia
On November 8th, SALDEF’s Western Regional Director, Bhupinder Kaur participated on a panel discussing Islamaphobia at Occidental College in southern California. Joining Ms. Kaur on the panel was Salam Al-Marayati, President of the Muslim Public Affairs Council in Los Angeles, CA, and Malek Moazzam-Doulat, Professor of Religious Studies at Occidental College, who served as the Moderator for the event. Students, faculty, and community members were present during the three hour session exploring the affects of 9/11 and anti-Islamic sentiments on the Muslim and Sikh American communities.  Over 100 attendees were present, and were able to hear directly from community organizations discussing violence against communtiy members, relationships with law enforcement agencies, experiences with lawmakers, and much more.

15 for 15!
Support SALDEF’s 15 for 15 fundraising effort! For the past 15 years, SALDEF has led pioneering initiatives to move our community forward and in that time we have had ground-breaking results.  We’re asking you to help us make the next 15 years even more impactful by becoming a monthly donor for just $15 per month.  This small contribution will help us reach our year-end fundraising target of 75,000 and ensure that the next 15 years are just as successful!

2012 Pocket Calendars Now Available!
Educate your neighbors, friends, and co-workers about Sikh Americans in an easy, informative way through our annual pocket calendars. In their ninth year of production, the 2012 calendars feature full-color images of Sikh Americans, along with examples of core Sikh values and facts about Sikhs in the United States. In a new folded style, the cards are the size of standard business cards.  Put them in your place of work and distribute at community events – place your order today.

George Washington and Princeton Universities Celebrate Gurpurab
Princeton University’s Sikhs of Princeton, and George Washington University’s Sikh Student Association organized events this month honoring the Gurpurab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Students all over the Princeton University campus could be seen wearing brightly colored turbans during Sikh Awareness Day, held on November 11, 2011.  Members of Sikhs of Princeton, including SikhLEAD Leadership Development Program participant, Kanwal Matharu, tied almost 200 turbans on students and community members while simultaneously informing them about Sikhism.

On November 28th, 2011, George Washington University’s Sikh Student Association held their annual Guru Nanak Dev Ji Langar. SALDEF was invited to speak at the event which was followed by a langar for all who attended.

APIASF Scholarship Application is Now Available
The 2012-2013 APIASF Scholarship Application is now available online. The deadline for all submissions is Friday, January 13, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

The APIASF scholarship program provides the critical support that many AAPI students need to pursue higher education. Scholarship recipients also gain access to APIASF’s programs and services like leadership training, professional development opportunities and advising.

For more information regarding eligibility criteria or to apply, click here. Any application related questions may be directed to Click here to email.

Apply to be A White House Fellow
The application process for the 2012-2013 Class of White House Fellows is currently underway. The President and Mrs. Obama strongly encourage emerging leaders to apply to the nation’s most prestigious program for leadership and public service. The application is available online and the deadline to apply is January 13, 2012. Click here to apply.

Upcoming Events
* Dec 11 – Know Your Rights Forum – San Jose, CA
* Dec 22 – Sikh Awareness Presentation for Howard County, MD, Police Department
* Jan 5 – Presentation to Yolo Couty District Attorney’s Office, CA
* Jan 29 – Know Your Rights Forum – Riverside, CA

December 2011 Advocate

SALDEF Provides Input on Future Airport Technologies SALDEF Meets with United States Commission on Civil Rights Leadership SALDEF  Advocates for Stronger Anti-Bullying Legislation SALDEF Participates in Panel on Islamaphobia 15 for 15! 2012 Pocket Calendars Now Available! George Washington and Princeton Universities Celebrate Gurpurab APIASF Scholarship Application is Now Available Apply to be A White House Fellow Upcoming Events SALDEF was invited to participate in the Community Perceptions of Technology Panel held on November 8th, 2011. The panel was designed to help inform the U.S. Department of Homeland Security about concerns and community perceptions related to the use of new airport screening technology. During this panel, SALDEF voiced possible concerns around invasive screening that the Sikh American Community may have with proposed technologies. On November 17, 2011, SALDEF attended a meeting with the Chair, Marty Castro, and Vice-Chair, Abigail Thernstrom, of the Unites States Commission on Civil Rights (USCCR). USCCR is an independent, bipartisan, fact-finding federal agency, whose mission is to inform the development of national civil rights policy and enhance enforcement of federal civil rights laws. During the meeting, which was attended by many other prominent national civil rights and human rights organizations, SALDEF raised the importance to the Commission of being aware of the challenges that Sikhs are facing in schools and workplaces across the country. On November 21, 2011, SALDEF’s Legal and Legislative Affairs Associate, Amrita Singh, along with members of the National Safe School Partnership visited almost 50 congressional offices in an effort to gain support for the Safe Schools Improvement Act.  The Safe Schools Improvement Act will strengthen measures to prevent the bullying and harassment of students in public elementary and secondary schools. Your support is needed to pass this bill! SHARE: Click here to share your story about bullying. On November 8th, SALDEF’s Western Regional Director, Bhupinder Kaur participated on a panel discussing Islamaphobia at Occidental College in southern California. Joining Ms. Kaur on the panel was Salam Al-Marayati, President of the Muslim Public Affairs Council in Los Angeles, CA, and Malek Moazzam-Doulat, Professor of Religious Studies at Occidental College, who served as the Moderator for the event. Students, faculty, and community members were present during the three hour session exploring the affects of 9/11 and anti-Islamic sentiments on the Muslim and Sikh American communities.  Over 100 attendees were present, and were able to hear directly from community organizations discussing violence against communtiy members, relationships with law enforcement agencies, experiences with lawmakers, and much more. Support SALDEF’s 15 for 15 fundraising effort! For the past 15 years, SALDEF has led pioneering initiatives to move our community forward and in that time we have had ground-breaking results.  We’re asking you to help us make the next 15 years even more impactful by becoming a monthly donor for just $15 per month.  This small contribution will help us reach our year-end fundraising target of 75,000 and ensure that the next 15 years are just as successful! Educate your neighbors, friends, and co-workers about Sikh Americans in an easy, informative way through our annual pocket calendars. In their ninth year of production, the 2012 calendars feature full-color images of Sikh Americans, along with examples of core Sikh values and facts about Sikhs in the United States. In a new folded style, the cards are the size of standard business cards.  Put them in your place of work and distribute at community events – place your order today. Princeton University’s Sikhs of Princeton, and George Washington University’s Sikh Student Association organized events this month honoring the Gurpurab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Students all over the Princeton University campus could be seen wearing brightly colored turbans during Sikh Awareness Day, held on November 11, 2011.  Members of Sikhs of Princeton, including SikhLEAD Leadership Development Program participant, Kanwal Matharu, tied almost 200 turbans on students and community members while simultaneously informing them about Sikhism. On November 28th, 2011, George Washington University’s Sikh Student Association held their annual Guru Nanak Dev Ji Langar. SALDEF was invited to speak at the event which was followed by a langar for all who attended. The 2012-2013 APIASF Scholarship Application is now available online. The deadline for all submissions is Friday, January 13, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. EST. The APIASF scholarship program provides the critical support that many AAPI students need to pursue higher education. Scholarship recipients also gain access to APIASF’s programs and services like leadership training, professional development opportunities and advising. For more information regarding eligibility criteria or to apply, click here. Any application related questions may be directed to Click here to email. The application process for the 2012-2013 Class of White House Fellows is currently underway. The President and Mrs. Obama strongly encourage emerging leaders to apply to the nation’s most prestigious program for leadership and public service. The application is available online and the deadline to apply is January 13, 2012. Click here to apply. Dec 11 – Know Your Rights Forum - San Jose, CA Dec 22 – Sikh Awareness Presentation for Howard County, MD, Police Department Jan 5 – Presentation to Yolo Couty District Attorney’s Office, CA Jan 29 – Know Your Rights Forum – Riverside, CA To view this one our website, click here.

About SALDEF Founded in 1996, SALDEF is the oldest Sikh American civil rights and educational organization dedicated to protecting and promoting the civil rights of Sikh Americans through advocacy, education, and media relations. SALDEF’s mission is to create a fostering environment in the United States for future generations of Sikh Americans. Contact SALDEF Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) 1012 14th St NW, Suite 450 Washington, DC 20005 Phone: 202-393-2700 Fax: 202-318-3344 Web: www.saldef.org Email: info@saldef.org

© 2011 SALDEF All Rights Reserved. | Click here to unsubscribe

READ MORE: Sikh Man Stabbed Waiting for Plane in Fresno (Fresno Bee)
WATCH: Stabbing at Fresno Yosemite International Airport (ABC-30)

According to the Fresno Police Department, a 56-year old Sikh man from India was stabbed near the security area at Fresno Yosemite International Airport while waiting to board his plane. The Sikh traveler suffered a minor cut to his upper torso, and was treated at the airport prior to resuming his journey back to India.

The assailant, identified as 26-year old Mitchell Dufur, reportedly approached the Sikh traveler and stabbed him with a pocket knife, without provocation or exchanging any words. Dufur is now in custody, and being held under suspicion of felony assault with a deadly weapon, after he initially attempted to flee from the airport before being apprehended by the local authorities.

READ MORE: Police ID Man who Stabbed Sikh with Turban in Attack at CA Airport (Washington Post)

According to Fresno Police officials, they are working to determine why the victim was stabbed, but haven’t determined whether the act was in fact a hate crime, as Dufur has refused to talk with the police about the motive for this attack.

SALDEF has been in contact with the Fresno Police Department to gather more details and information about this horrible incident and have offered our services to assist in the investigation in any way possible.

SALDEF urges all Sikh Americans to immediately report any incidents of harassment, bullying or assault to SALDEF and your local authorities. If you or someone you know has been a victim of any racially motivated crime, please contact SALDEF directly at 202.403.0246 or via our Report an Incident Form.

SALDEF Responds to India Abroad Letter to the Editor
On October 14, 2011 India Abroad published a highly offensive commentary in the Letter to the Editor section of the paper. The author of a piece called “Beyond Bias” stated that “Sikhs living in western countries who are not baptized would do well to consider discarding the[ir]uncut hair and turbans so that they will not look like Osama and so suffer.”  Read the full article here.

SALDEF immediately contacted India Abroad to question the editor’s discretion in publishing the comments.  Additionally, SALDEF responded to the comments in the November 11 edition of the publication.  Click here to read the full letter.

White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Bullying Summit
On October 29, 2011, SALDEF attended the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Bullying Summit in New York City. Newly released statistics indicate that Asian Americans reported the highest rate of bullying in classrooms, nearly 20% higher than any other racial or ethnic group, further stressing the importance of this issue within the Sikh American community. Senior members for the Obama administration, public health professionals, community advocates, students and parents attended the summit and discussed the effects of bullying, needed response, and prevention.

Share Your Stories – Racial Profiling and School Bullying
Have you or someone you know ever been a victim of school bullying or racial profiling?  If so, please share your story with us.  SALDEF is currently advocating for both the End Racial Profiling Act (ERPA) and the Safe Schools Improvement Act (SSIA).  If passed, ERPA will better protect the community from racial profiling and SSIA will help ensure Sikh American children are protected from bullying in Schools. It is important to express to lawmakers how important these issues are to the Sikh American Community and we need your help.

SHARE your story about racial profiling.
SHARE your story about school bullying.
TAKE ACTION: Urge Your Senator to Support ERPA

Newly Released FBI Hate Crimes Statistics
The FBI recently released their annual Hate Crimes Statistics for 2010. The publication details reported hate crimes by states, cities, towns, and colleges and universities. Of note, the statistics illustrate a jump in crimes motivated by anti-Islamic bias.  This of course, affects Sikh Americans because of misconceptions about our identity.  Currently, the FBI does not collect data on the number of Anti-Sikh hate-crimes.  SALDEF is actively working with the FBI to create a separate category which accurately reflects crimes committed against Sikh Americans. You can access the complete report of the FBI’s annual Hate Crimes Statistics for 2010 here.

Scholarship for Northern California Students –Deadline Approaching
The Indus Valley American Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the second year of the IVACC Scholarship Program.  Scholarships are being awarded to college students who are residents of Northern California and who have shown a commitment to the South Asian community and culture. The IVACC Scholarship Committee is now accepting applications with a deadline of November 22, 2011.  SALDEF encourages all interested members to apply today.  For more information, click here.

SikhLEAD Congressional Internship Program–Summer 2012

As part of the SikhLEAD youth development initiative, SALDEF has partnered with congressional offices to offer Sikh American students internships on Capitol Hill. Applications will be available by mid December and close in mid February for Summer 2012 internship in Washington, DC. To learn more about the internship program visit www.sikhlead.org and subscribe to the SikhLEAD mailing list.Know Your Rights Forums to be

Hosted Throughout California
As a part of SALDEF’s ongoing efforts to empower the community and strengthen partnerships with government, we are pleased to announce a series of  Know Your Rights (KYR) Forums for the Sikh American communities of Northern and Southern California in the months of December and January.  For additional information, or if you would like to organize a Know Your Rights Forum for your local community, please contact Birpal Kaur via email at info@saldef.org.

Upcoming Events:

• Know Your Rights Forum — Buena Park, CA — December 4th
• Know Your Rights Forum — San Jose, CA — December 11th
• Know Your Rights Forum — Riverside, CA — January 29th

December 4th:
Guru Nanak Sikh Temple-Buena Park
12-1pm

December 11th:
Sikh Gurdwara Sahib-San Jose
11-12pm

The following government agencies and representatives will provide community members with important information about employment discrimination, hate crimes, and government resources. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Justice, Local Law Enforcement Officials, Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and Department of Education will be presenting to community members. Additionally, this will be an opportunity to network with government recruiters and discuss employment opportunities.

Since 2002, SALDEF has organized numerous educational workshops for Sikh American communities in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

SALDEF would like to thank the management of Guru Nanak Sikh Temple, Buena Park and Sikh Gurdwara Sahib, San Jose for participating, the leaders of the local Sikh American community, as well as the participating government agencies for their support.

For additional information about this event or if you would like to organize a Know Your Rights Forum for your community, please contact Birpal Kaur by email at info@saldef.org or via phone at 213.985.1116.

“This program provided me the most inspiring and valuable weekend of my life.  I not only have 16 other young leaders who I can call family; I also have developed insights which I will take throughout my life” – Leadership Development Program Participant

(Washington, DC—November 7, 2011) Last month, SALDEF successfully held its first Leadership Development Program (LDP), under its new ground-breaking SikhLEAD youth development initiative.  From a large pool of applicants, SALDEF selected 17 highly talented and accomplished young Sikh Americans from around the country for three days of leadership training, self-exploration, and development in Washington, DC.

Watch: Slideshow of the program

LDP is designed to inspire, train, and support a diverse, motivated, and entrepreneurial group of young Sikh leaders as they prepare for a lifetime of community engagement and leadership. The purpose of this opportunity is to empower Sikh American youth in becoming effective leaders committed to exploring and realizing both their personal potential and that of the Sikh American community.

The attendees participated in a series of activities aimed to help identify their passion, recognize their strengths, and build a stronger sense of identity while building a national network of emerging young leaders.  The program provided training and skills for participants to improve public speaking, explore non-traditional career paths and network with leaders in the community.

Read: Blog entry from one of the participants

SALDEF is indebted to several community members who provided their valuable time to serve as panelists and guest speakers during the 3-day program:

• Dr. G.P. Singh, former CEO, Karta Technologies
• Gurinder Ahluwalia, President & CEO, Genworth Financial
• Dr. Jaideep Singh, Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies, CSU East Bay
• Jyotswaroop Kaur, Director of Strategic Actions for a Just Economy
• Ravi Bhalla, Councilman of Hoboken, NJ
• Satjiv Chahil, former Senior Vice President Worldwide Marketing at Apple

LDP was funded through generous support of community members across the country and the following sponsors: Comcast, Genworth Financial, and Southwest Airlines. To learn more about how you can support the SikhLEAD initiative, click here.

Originally posted on Kaurista.com

Inspired doesn’t seem to cut it. SikhLead’s Leadership Development Program (LDP) was more than a retreat, a program, or any type of conference I have attended. I went in with no expectation. I walked away with a feeling, a desire, a hope that went far beyond my ‘comfort zone.’ I have started a journey of introspection, of self-evaluation that needs a particular attention I have not yet had the reason or time to give.

I cannot thank the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) enough for the opportunity and the experience that I shared with sixteen other bright, ambitious, and talented individuals from all across the country. The seventeen of us, our mentor Craig Bowman and all of the SALDEF staff organized a program that challenged us to grow, to think, and to figure out what kind of leaders we want to be for our generation.

The weekend started with a practical yet inspirational talk from Satjiv Chahil, who once held the title of Senior Vice President Worldwide Marketing at Apple, preceded and followed by a trail of top marketing positions in companies across the U.S. His explained that the path to his field of marketing was not easy, nor was it expected. He faced unknown territory when he started out, both as a young man dealing with the onslaught of the “computer” and as a Sikh American.  But he proudly stated, “I never feel like a minority because I know I can take on sava laakh.” We had the privilege of hearing several similar stories over the weekend from guest speakers such as Gurinder Ahluwalia, CEO of Genworth Tech, and panelists including Ravi Bhalla, Councilman of Hoboken, NJ, Jyotswaroop Kaur, Associate Director of Strategic Actions for a Just Economy, and Jaideep Singh, Assistant Professor of Sikh and Punjabi Studies at CSU East Bay. Each followed a non-traditional career path. Each had a story to tell. Each had a lesson from which we could learn.

These amazing speakers book-cased the crux of the weekend – several workshops administered by Craig Bowman, Founder and President of Common Ground Consulting, LLC. Though each workshop forced us to delve into our inner-workings and question what makes us tick, I would like to talk about one in particular. We were asked to speak on the fountain of Dupont Circle, one of the busiest parks in Washington, DC. It was a Sunday afternoon. African drums that could be heard in the background and the soothing flow of the fountain set the mood. We had to speak to the people of Dupont, to whoever would listen, to the DC residents walking their dogs, to our own LDP group. We were asked to share a story or write a piece that revealed a core personal belief. It was the most intimidating thing some of us had done. Not only were we going to be talking to strangers, but we were talking to the other sixteen LDP students, showing them, telling them what we were each truly about. It took guts, but everyone one of us went up there and had something powerful to say. The experience was unlike any debate speech, symposium speech, or class presentation I’ve ever had. We were vulnerable and nervous but we each pulled through and faced the world in a sense. We put our inhibitions aside and focused on what are truly about – and having that strong sense of self, having that core, is what enabled us to withstand the stares, the doubtful looks, and justspeak.

It is apt that inaugural class of SikhLead’s Leadership Development Program was also able to attend SALDEF’s National Gala which celebrated 15 years of achievement. Since 1996, SALDEF itself has done so much for the community, from organizing Know Your Rights Forums with local gurdwaras, training Law Enforcement and government officials across the country on Sikhism, to fighting for Sikh American rights in every piece of diversity legislation that passes through or is presented to Congress, all the while maintaining its initial goal to keep Media in check on how they portray Sikh Americans. Now, SALDEF has become the pioneer of building the Sikh leaders of tomorrow.

Whether we were doing bhangra outside the White House, quietly reflecting at the MLK memorial, or telling our personal stories during workshops, this LDP class shared an experience that will never be forgotten and I look forward to new feats that each of us will inevitably achieve in the future. Stay hungry, stay foolish.

Las Vegas Police Department and SALDEF Partner to Develop Training Program
Earlier this fall, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) and SALDEF partnered to create a one of its kind cultural awareness training program for the LVMPD. The LVMPD Southern Nevada Counter Terrorism Center (SNCTC), the Sikh American community of the greater Las Vegas area, and SALDEF, came together to develop a cultural awareness training course to introduce and inform local law enforcement officials about the Sikh American community and their cultural practices. To read more, click here.

Law Enforcement Training a Success in Birmingham, AL
Navtej Singh, SALDEF’s Southeastern Regional Director, conducted a Law Enforcement Partnership Program training for officers across Alabama on September 20, 2011. The training provided information on the Sikh faith and theology, as well as the challenges Sikh Americans face on a daily basis. Participants watched On Common Ground, a training film co-produced by SALDEF and the Department of Justice, to help articulate the steps officers can take to identify and respect members of the Sikh faith.

SALDEF Presents to Office of Director of National Intelligence
In September, SALDEF Policy Advisor, Navdeep Singh, made a presentation to leaders of the National Intelligence Community about Sikh Americans at a meeting hosted by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. He covered the history of Sikhs in the United States and provided an overview of Sikh beliefs. He also discussed how Sikh Americans can be an asset to the United States national security and intelligence communities and shared ways in which the government can engage, interact, and recruit more effectively from the community.

TAKE ACTION: End Racial Profiling
The End Racial Profiling Act was recently introduced to the Senate. This landmark legislation aims to eliminate racial and religious profiling that has singled out various minority communities, including Sikh Americans, in the United States. Send a message to your Senators asking them to co-sponsor the bill.

SALDEF Attends TSA Coalition Conference
On September 7, 2011, the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Office of Civil Rights and Liberties held their 9th annual Coalition Conference.  Various community groups were in attendance for this conference in which information regarding screening practices, policies, and initiatives were discussed. In addition, community groups were given the opportunity to address their concerns with current and future TSA programs.

Gates Millennium Scholarship Now Accepting Applcations
For students entering college for the first time in Fall 2012, the GMS 2012 Scholarship Application online process is now open. The deadline for all submissions is Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. EST. GMS will select 1,000 talented students each year to receive a good-through-graduation scholarship to use at any college or university of their choice. The Gates Millennium Scholars are provided with personal and professional development through the GMS leadership programs along with academic support throughout their college career. Find more information on their website here.

Follow us on Twitter
Become a follower of SALDEF on Twitter and get real-time updates about current events in the Sikh American community, issues we are working on, and meetings we are attending.  Check out our recent activity and follow us at twitter.com/saldef.

Upcoming Events:
* Nagar Kirtan–Yuba City, CA– November 6th
* SikhLens Film Festival-- Orange County, CA– November 18-20th
* Know Your Rights Forum– Buena Park, CA– December 4th
* Know Your Rights Forum–San Jose, CA–December 11th

The End Racial Profiling Act (ERPA) was introduced to the Senate on October, 6, 2011. Send a message to your Senators urging them to co-sponsor this historic piece of legislation or thanking them if they have already expressed support.

This landmark legislation aims to eliminate racial and religious profiling that has singled out various minority communities, including Sikh Americans, in the United States.

Racial profiling is a law enforcement tactic where individuals are treated as suspects based on characteristics unrelated to criminal conduct – such as race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, and perceived immigration status. Not only is it wrong, profiling is ineffective. It diverts limited law enforcement resources away from focusing on individualized suspicious behavior by relying on race- or religion-based profiles. It diminishes trust between law enforcement and affected communities making individuals hesitant to reach out to police in times of need. It also violates the fundamental civil rights of communities by treating them differently than other Americans. The End Racial Profiling Act prohibits law enforcement agents and agencies from engaging in racial profiling.

Take Action: Tell your Senators to Support the End Racial Profiling Act!

Since September 11, 2001, Sikh Americans have become all too familiar with instances of racial profiling by the United States government. The most prevalent example is the additional security screening of Sikh American travelers at airports because of their turbans.

In addition, the broader South Asian, Muslim, and Arab communities living in the United States have all been targeted for heightened scrutiny by law enforcement based on their religion, ethnicity, national origin, or nationality. Examples include frequent searches by airport security and border inspection officers, as well as targeted surveillance of South Asian places of worship by federal and local law enforcement. The practice of racial profiling is demeaning and contrary to the constitutional guarantee of equality under the law. The passage of this act will be an important step to bringing an end to this practice.

TAKE ACTION NOW! To learn more about ERPA Click Here!

The online training module is based on the Law Enforcement Partnership Program developed by SALDEF in 1999, and includes video and imagery of On Common Ground, a law enforcement training video developed by SALDEF and the United States Department of Justice. The LEPP training program has been used by numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement departments, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the entire Washington Metropolitan Police Department and Boston Police Department.

Beginning in January 2011, the LVMPD Southern Nevada Counter Terrorism Center (SNCTC), the Sikh American community of the greater Las Vegas area, and SALDEF, came together to develop a cultural awareness training course to introduce and inform local law enforcement officials about the Sikh American community and their cultural practices.  The training was also specifically tailored to the needs of Las Vegas area law enforcement for the likely interactions they may have in the course of their duties.

“I am proud of our long standing tradition in providing the best possible cultural awareness training to our organization” said Doug Gillespie, Sheriff of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.  “Our valued collaboration with SALDEF has produced a unique and informative curriculum which will serve to strengthen our partnership with the Sikh American community.”

“We are pleased to partner with the LVMPD as they continue to play a leading role in developing best practices for the law enforcement community”, said SALDEF Managing Director Kavneet Singh. “Cultural awareness training breaks down barriers of communication, leads to better policing, and creates a stronger relationship between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.”

SALDEF would like to applaud Sheriff Gillespie and Detective Kenneth Mead for their leadership and partnership in this initiative, and hope that this collaboration serves as a model showing the need for and benefit of, collaboration between law enforcement and the Sikh American community across the country. If you would like to work with your local law enforcement department on a similar initiative, please contact SALDEF.

Last Saturday, October 8th, 2011 the Sikh American Legal Defense Education Fund (SALDEF) held its 15th Anniversary National Gala in Washington, D.C. Joined by over 400 guests, government officials, awardees and supporters from across the country, the sold-out event highlighted SALDEF’s accomplishments over the past 15 years, and recognized those who have contributed to the Sikh American community’s progress and strengthened civil rights in the United States.

Click here to view the complete photo slideshow!

Opening remarks were delivered by Manjit Singh, Co-Founder and Chairman of SALDEF, welcoming the attendees and acknowledging the outpouring of support from the Sikh American community, coalition partners, and federal agencies in celebrating 15 years of SALDEF’s empowerment for the Sikh American community.  This was followed by Kavneet Singh, SALDEF Managing Director and Board Member, who gave a glimpse at the history of the organization as well as highlighting the awardees. SALDEF Western Regional Director Bhupinder Kaur served as Mistress of Ceremonies for the event.

The first award of the night, the Bhagat Singh Thind Community Empowerment Award recognized Rana Singh Sodhi for his ability to transcend the tragedy of his brother’s death and utilize it as a catalyst for education, outreach, and understanding. Mr. Sodhi’s embodiment of chardi kala and commitment to the community serves as an exemplar for the entire Sikh American community.

Next, SALDEF recognized S. Floyd Mori with the Dorothy Height Coalition Building Award. Mr. Mori is currently the National Executive Director of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) and he reflected on the Japanese American experience after World War II internment, bringing parallels of the fear America faced then to the 9/11 attacks. Next, the Youth Leadership Award recognized Deep Singh, Co-Founder of the Jakara Movement, a youth oriented Sikh organization based in California aimed at connecting Sikh American youth to Sikh history and beliefs as well as social justice.

Top Center: Daya Singh Khalsa
Left to right: Satjiv Chahil, Rana Singh Sodhi, and Floyd Mori

SALDEF’s 2011 Public Service Award was awarded to former Secretary of Transportation, the Honorable Norman Mineta, who’s leadership in the aftermath of the attacks of 9/11 successfully directed all flights over United States airspace to land immediately and won widespread praise for restoring public confidence in the transportation system. Mr. Mineta also made conscious efforts to ensure that members of the Sikh, Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim and South Asian communities were not befallen with civil rights abuses while traveling.

The Dalip Singh Saund Legislative Leadership Award was accepted in absentia by Senator Dick Durbin. In his remarks, delivered via video, Durbin emphasized the integral role that SALDEF played in the initial response to the hate crimes immediately following the 9/11 attacks, and ensuring hate crime legislation was put at the forefront of action to backlash within the South Asian, Arab, Muslim, and Sikh American communities. “In the weeks after 9/11 I was proud to work with SALDEF and the Sikh American community to pass legislation condemning prejudice and violence against [Sikhs] and any Americans. [By] working together we passed a Federal Hate Crimes Bill.,” said Senator Durbin. “ As long as Sikhs continue to face religious discrimination in the workplace, [and] Sikh children are continued to be bullied in school because of their faith, we still have work to do, and we must finish that work.”

Click here to watch Senator Durbin’s video address

Daya Singh Khalsa, President of Akal Security, served as a Guest Speaker for the evening and spoke about his experiences founding his company and how denial of job opportunities to Sikhs at the time, led he and his colleagues to found what is now one of the largest security organizations in the country. “Anything can come with a vision, being a Sikh should not prevent you in any way from accomplishing or inventing any ideas. Any vision or idea can become reality, a Sikh’s identity should not be a hindrance in any vision they have”, said Khalsa. SALDEF was also fortunate to have Satjiv Chahil, former Chief Marketing Officer at Apple Inc and HP, in attendance as he shared some inspirational anecdotes to the attendees regarding his experiences through his career, and the importance of chardi kala.

Jasjit Singh, SALDEF Associate Executive Director, presented the final comments, introducing the inaugural SikhLEAD program, and recognizing the 17 participants in attendance.  He went on to express the need for our community to invest in our future youth and young professionals as we continue to grow as a community.

Entertainment for the evening included a memorable performance by Kiran Alhuwalia an award winning vocalist and composer, and a high-energy performance by the DC Bhangra Crew and Joshiley Jawan Bhangra Team.

Click here to view the complete photo slideshow!

Guests came together and donated to help SALDEF continue reaching out to communities, schools, houses of worship and civic leaders nationwide to raise awareness about Sikh Americans, speak out against bullying and protect the Sikh identity. If you weren’t able to join SALDEF at the National Gala, please join us today by making a tax-deductible donation.

SALDEF thanks the event sponsors for their generous support, as well as the local volunteers, whose dedicated work ensured the success of this event.  We would also like to especially thank the staff and management of EventEQ for their masterful technical execution of our event,  as well as support from InkSpill.

Washington DC; September 27, 2011 – Earlier this month, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) was invited to participate in a series of  presentations and panel discussions at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and the University of Indiana-Bloomington.

On September 6th, speaking as part of the Food for Thought discussion series at the Asian American Cultural Center of the University of Illinois, SALDEF Associate Executive Director, Jasjit Singh, provided the over 100 attendees, comprised of students and faculty, with an introduction to Sikh Americans and the challenges Sikh Americans have faced post 9/11.

Later that day, SALDEF participated in the Interfaith Speaker Series hosted by the Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Relations. The Interfaith Speaker Series featured a panel of representatives from several faiths and focused on the topic of what “service” means in each faith. Mr. Singh spoke of the prominent place ‘service’ has in the Sikh scriptures (Gurbani) and throughout Sikh history. The panel discussion was followed by a lively question and answer session.

Then, on September 7th, the University of Indiana, hosted an interfaith panel to discuss the impact of 9/11 on religious communities.  Some of the topics included the changes in America since 9/11, media reports and the rise against multiculturalism, and how the events of 9/11 affected the United States in terms of diversity education.

If you would like SALDEF to make a presentation about the Sikh religion and Sikh American civil rights issues to your college, law school, or graduate school, please contact us via email.

Senator Dick Durbin to be Honored at SALDEF National Gala

Join us at the SALDEF National Gala in Washington, DC on Saturday, October 8, 2011. Along with marking our fifteenth anniversary, we will commemorate the tenth anniversary of 9/11, honor our awardees, and enjoy cultural entertainment.

We are pleased to announce that Senator Dick Durbin will be recognized for his leadership in Congress by sponsoring bills that protect the rights of Sikh Americans.

Senator Dick Durbin, is the senior U.S. Senator from the State of Illinois and serves as the Assistant Majority Leader of the Senate, the second highest ranking position in the Senate. Senator Durbin is the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights and the Appropriations Committee’s Financial Services and General Government subcommittee.

Senator Durbin is known as a champion of civil rights for all people. Immediately following 9/11, Senator Durbin introduced the Hate Crimes Resolution, condemning the hatred and violence targeted at Sikh Americans. Senator Durbin was also a primary supporter of the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act which strengthened the existing hate crime laws. In addition, Senator Durbin also sponsors the Safe Schools Improvement Act and the Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act, both of which aim to strengthen efforts to prevent school bullying in primary and secondary education settings.

Join us in honoring Senator Durbin and others who have worked
to protect the rights of  all Americans.

For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Beginning in January 2011, the LVMPD Southern Nevada Counter Terrorism Center (SNCTC), the Sikh American community of Clark County, and SALDEF came together to develop a cultural awareness training course to introduce and inform local law enforcement officials about the Sikh American community and their cultural practices.  The training was also tailored specifically to the needs of Las Vegas area law enforcement for the likely interactions they may have in the course of their duties.

“I am proud of our long standing tradition in providing the best possible cultural awareness training to our organization” said Doug Gillespie, Sheriff of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.  “Our valued collaboration with SALDEF has produced a unique and informative curriculum which will serve to strengthen our partnership with the Sikh American community.”

Kavneet Singh, Managing Director, SALDEF: “We are pleased to partner with the LVMPD as they continue to play a leading role in developing best practices for the law enforcement community. Cultural awareness training breaks down barriers of communication, leads to better policing, and creates a stronger relationship between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. We applaud Sheriff Gillespie and Detective Kenneth Mead for their leadership and partnership in this endeavor.”

The module is based on the Law Enforcement Partnership Program training program SALDEF developed in conjunction with national law enforcement professionals in 1999.  The training program includes “On Common Ground”, a training video developed by SALDEF and the United States Department of Justice. The training program has been used by numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement departments, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Washington Metropolitan Police Department.

##END##

Floyd Mori to be Honored at SALDEF National Gala

Join us at the SALDEF National Gala in Washington, DC on Saturday, October 8, 2011. Along with marking our fifteenth anniversary, we will commemorate the tenth anniversary of 9/11, honor our awardees, and enjoy cultural entertainment.

We are pleased to announce Floyd Mori will be recognized for his leadership in civil and human rights and efforts to achieve equality for all.

Floyd Mori is currently the National Executive Director of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) after having served as Director of Public Policy for the JACL, the oldest and largest Asian American civil and human rights organization in the nation. He also served as the Chair of the National Council on Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA), a coalition of national Asian Pacific American organizations of which SALDEF is a member.

While teaching Economics at Chabot College in Hayward, California, Mori became involved in politics and was elected City Councilman and Mayor of the City of Pleasanton, California, in the Bay Area.

Join us in honoring Floyd Mori and others who have worked
to protect the rights of  all Americans.

For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

You and your family are cordially invited to the

SALDEF National Gala: Celebrating 15 Years

Our 15th Anniversary Gala is a milestone we could not celebrate without you, the supporters who make our work possible.  It is a chance to reflect on the impact that our supporters have made since our founding in 1996.  We will also honor those who have surmounted challenges and worked towards solutions, unity, and healing, in the ten years since 9/11.

Purchase Your Gala Tickets Online Today

Please Join us on

October 8, 2011
from 6pm to 9pm

at the
J.W. Marriott Hotel
1331 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC

with

Former Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta
Rana Singh Sodhi
Daya Singh Khalsa, CEO, Akal Security

Live Entertainment by

Kiran Ahluwalia & Group

FREE Child Care Available On-site During the Gala

Purchase Your Gala Tickets Online Today
Table: $1000 | Individual: $125 | Student: $65

If you would like to purchase a table for your family, business, or gurdwara, or are interested in placing an advertisement in the Gala program book please contact Jasjit Singh via phone at 202-393-2700 ext. 127 or via email at Click here to email.  Space is limited.

This Thursday, September 15, 2011, individuals from across Arizona and the country will be participating in a memorial service at 7 p.m. at 7955 E. University Drive, Mesa, Arizona, to commemorate the victims of 9/11 and to remember Balbir Singh Sodhi.

Follow comments on social media with: #BalbirSinghSodhi

Balbir Singh Sodhi represents all the victims of post-9/11 backlash, from those who lost their lives to those who continue to suffer from bullying and discrimination today.  As we honor his memory, let us reflect on the common concern and unity we felt with our neighbors at that time.

SALDEF hopes that all Americans heed the words of Balbir’s brother, Rana, and “bring the whole community together…take care of our extended community and to work to understand one another better. And when I say ‘community,’ I…mean…the whole American community.”

Balbir Singh Sodhi represents all the victims of post-9/11 backlash, from those who lost their lives to those who continue to suffer from bullying, harassment and discrimination today.  As we honor his memory, let us reflect on the common concern and unity we felt with our neighbors at that time.

SALDEF hopes that all Americans take heed of words of Balbir’s brother, Rana, and “bring the whole community together…take care of our extended community and to work to understand one another better. And when I say ‘community,’ I…mean…the whole American community.”

The Sodhi family and the Arizona interfaith community have transformed the tragic death of Balbir Singh Sodhi into a movement for unity, understanding, and respect. We applaud them for their efforts and call on all Americans to join them in similar efforts across the country.

We also honor all those impacted by the events following September 11th. Like Americans of all faiths and backgrounds, the Sikh American community was attacked twice, first as Americans and again by those who wished to divide our country based on religion, ethnicity, and background.  We honor all victims of post-9/11 backlash, from those who lost their lives to hate, like Balbir Singh Sodhi, to those who suffered and continue to suffer from discrimination and bullying.

The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) encourages all Americans to remember the unity that filled the nation and the respect for our common American values of equality, freedom, and diversity.

##END##

Tomorrow, the Sikh American community will join the country to reflect on the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and honor the memory of all the victims who passed away on that day, the first responders who sacrificed themselves to save others, and the families that suffered incredible loss.

We will also honor all those impacted by the events following September 11th. Like Americans of all faiths and backgrounds, the Sikh American community was attacked twice, first as Americans and again by those who wished to divide our country based on religion and ethnicity.  We honor all victims of post-9/11 backlash, from those who have been victims of hate, like Balbir Singh Sodhi, to those who suffered and continue to suffer from discrimination and bullying.

SALDEF encourages all Sikh Americans to honor the memory of all 9/11 victims in your ardas and seva throughout the day.  Please continue to honor their memory by standing up for the Sikh and American values of equality, freedom, and respect for diversity.

Deep Singh of the Jakara Movement
to be Honored at SALDEF National Gala

Join us at the SALDEF National Gala in Washington, DC, on Saturday, October 8, 2011. Along with marking our fifteenth anniversary, we will commemorate the tenth anniversary of 9/11, honor our awardees, and enjoy cultural entertainment.

We are pleased to announce that Deep Singh will be recognized for his efforts to inspire and educate Sikh American youth through the Jakara Movement.

Deep Singh is one of the co-founders of the Jakara Movement, one of the premier Sikh youth organizations in the diaspora, working on issues of social, health, and educational justice.  As a sevadar with the Jakara Movement for over a decade, he has aided in the establishment of Lalkaar, Sikholars, The Langar Hall, and a host of other projects throughout California.  He is well-known amongst the California Sikh youth for his passion, dedication, and intelligence and amongst various Sikh organizations for his collaboration, assistance, and partnerships.

Join us in honoring Deep Singh and others who work
to inspire Sikh Americans.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please click here

Rana Singh Sodhi to be Honored
at SALDEF National Gala

Join us at the SALDEF National Gala in Washington, DC, on Saturday, October 8, 2011. Along with marking our fifteenth anniversary, we will commemorate the tenth anniversary of 9/11, honor our awardees, and enjoy cultural entertainment.

We are pleased to announce that Rana Singh Sodhi will be recognized for his work in promoting awareness and acceptance following his personal loss after the tragedy of 9/11.

Since 9/11, Mr. Sodhi has been devoted to mobilizing the Sikh American community to create awareness about the Sikh faith, as well as serving as a spokesperson against hate and violence. Tragically, his brother, Balbir Singh Sodhi, became America’s first post 9/11 hate crime murder victim. A year later, his brother, Sukhpal Singh Sodhi, was shot driving a cab in San Francisco.

Despite these tragedies, Rana works to educate his fellow Americans in an attempt to prevent further hate crimes. He serves as an advisor to the Phoenix Police Department and supports the activities of several civil rights organizations. Rana’s dedication to the community has been awarded by the City of Phoenix and the Anti-Defamation League.

Join us in honoring Rana Singh Sodhi and others who have worked
to protect the rights of Sikh Americans.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please click here

On September 15, 2001, Balbir Singh Sodhi was shot and killed outside of his Mesa, Arizona, gas station by Frank Roque.  Mr. Roque wanted to “kill a Muslim” in retaliation for the attacks on September 11. Mr. Sodhi was the first murder victim due to post-9/11 backlash.  Mr. Roque was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison for the hate crime.

Just a few months before the tenth anniversary of his death and the attack on America, the Arizona legislature decided to remove Mr. Sodhi’s name from the state 9/11 memorial because he was not deemed “a victim of 9/11″.  After advocacy by community groups, Governor Jan Brewer would veto the bill and continue to honor the memory of Mr. Sodhi.

The First 9/11 ‘Backlash’ Fatality: The Murder of Balbir Singh Sodhi

The events of September 11, 2001, affected each and every American in pointed and distinct ways. Many thousands perished during the attack, others lost loved ones. Many reacted with fervent patriotism for their country in order to overcome the devastation in progressive and constructive ways, while others lashed out with fear and hate towards the unknown and who they perceived to be ‘the enemy’. Despite the myriad reactions to that day, it is clear that the tragedy and loss of 9/11 did not end on that fateful Tuesday. It is still very real for the families of those that were lost in the attacks, for the families of those that were attacked in the backlash, and those that still fear for their safety in America.

Balbir Singh Sodhi was shot and killed on Saturday, September 15, 2001 in Arizona. It was the first fatal act of hate violence resulting from 9/11.  Mr. Sodhi was a 49 year old Sikh American man, who owned a Chevron gas station in Mesa, Arizona. He was shot while arranging American flags in front of his gas station. His assailant, Frank Roque, wanted to ‘kill a Muslim’ in retaliation for the terrorist attacks. He selected Mr. Sodhi simply because he had a beard and wore a turban in accordance with his Sikh faith. Mr. Roque shot at Mr. Sodhi three times, then shot at another service station owned by a Lebanese American, and finally shot at a home of a family of Afghan descent. Fortunately, no one else was injured.

Biography of Mr. Sodhi

Balbir Singh Sodhi was the oldest of five brothers. Mr. Sodhi immigrated to the United States from India in 1988  to realize the American dream. He joined his brother Harjit Sodhi in Los Angeles, CA, where he worked at a 7-Eleven for several years until he moved to Walnut Creek, CA to become a cab driver. He had moved to Mesa a year prior to his death, bought a house, and the gas station across the street.   “He worked 12, 14 hours a day,” said his brother Harjit, “and he saved his pennies.” He regularly sent money to his family still in India. Jagjit Sodhi, his older brother, stated, “We depended on the money he sent us from time to time.” After hearing about his younger brother’s tragic death, he was shocked: “He could never have any enemy. He is innocent.”

Mr. Sodhi was a husband and a father of two daughters. Mr. Sodhi was “known by friends and neighbors as a quiet, gentle man….Children have told reporters how Balbir Singh would let them buy candy from his store, even if they didn’t have enough money. The homeless shed tears as they recounted tales of his generosity to them.”  Many Arizona state representatives and citizens of all backgrounds rallied around the Sodhi family and the Sikh American community in support, with over 3,000 people attending Mr. Sodhi’s memorial service.

Community Response & Impact

The day after the attack, Arizona Attorney General Janet Napolitano held the first of many press conferences.  She said, “we will not tolerate acts of bigotry against our fellow Arizonans.”  “No individual should have to be afraid of their safety because of the color of their skin, the way they dress or the religion they choose to practice.”

She encouraged the state to honor his memory.   In 2006, the Arizona legislature unveiled a memorial to the victims of 9/11 which included the name of Balbir Singh Sodhi.

Mesa’s Mayor, Keno Hawker, firmly stood against such hate-motivated attack, saying “senseless acts of violence will do nothing to help our nation heal or bring peace to the victims of the horrific tragedy that occurred this week…now is the time for all Mesa resident to display solidarity by taking a clear stand against violence. We are all Americans. We are all grieving. Let us unite in peace and determination that violence will never be the answer.”  At the memorial service, Maricopa County Attorney, Rick Romley, stated: “On September 11, America was attacked from abroad. However, with the murder of Mr. Sodhi, we have now been attacked from within.”

Conviction of Frank Roque

Frank Roque boasted during his arrest: “I’m a patriot.” “I stand for America all the way.” “Two years later, he learned the American way included a fair trial by jury. On September 30, 2003, an Arizona jury found Frank Roque guilty of first-degree murder for his hate crime murder of Mr. Sodhi, along with five other charges, including attempted murder and reckless endangerment related to drive-by shootings at other individuals he perceived to be Middle Eastern that same day in 2001. On October 9, 2003, Frank Roque was sentenced to the death penalty. The sentence was later commuted to life in prison.

Arizona Legislature Votes to Remove Sodhi from 9/11 Memorial Because He was “Not a Victim”

Most recently, in April of this year, the state of Arizona proposed a bill to remove Balbir Singh Sodhi’s name from the state’s 9/11 Memorial. The bill’s original sponsor, Rep. John Kavanaugh (R), claimed that Sodhi was “not a victim of 9/11.” Adding insult to injury, along with stripping the late Mr. Sodhi’s name from the memorial, the legislation even enumerated that the removed plaque to be sold to a scrap metal dealer. Ten years after 9/11, Rep. Kavanaugh stated, “It’s part of a myth that, following 9/11, Americans went into a xenophobic rage against foreigners. That’s not true. America’s reaction towards foreigners was commendable.”

Following a wave of local and national outcry, Governor Jan Brewer vetoed the bill on April 29, 2011.  The bill, which passed both Houses on party lines, would have automatically gone into effect on May 2, 2011.

A more detailed backgrounder on Balbir Singh Sodhi is available here.

Food For Thought series

Noon – 1pm

September 6, 2011

Sponsored by the Asian American Cultural Center

Interfaith Speaker Series

Evening

September 6, 2011

Sponsored by the Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Relations

A panel discussion as we reflect upon the events of 9/11 and their ramifications for community, tolerance, and freedom held at the Indiana University.

Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011
Time: 4:00-5:30 pm
Location: Dogwood Room, IMU

Special guest panelists include:

IU Professor Faiz Rahman
Jasjit Singh, Associate Executive Director, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF)
Reverend Linda C. Johnson, Episcopal Chaplin to IU and President of the IU Campus Religious Leaders Association
Rabbi Sue Laikin Silberberg, Executive Director, Helene G. Simon Hillel Center.

Sponsored by IU Asian Culture Center, First Nations Educational and Cultural Center, and La Casa Latino Cultural Center
For more info, please email acc@indiana.edu or call (812) 856-5361

Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta
to be Honored at SALDEF National Gala

Join us at the SALDEF National Gala in Washington, DC on Saturday, October 8, 2011. Along with marking our fifteenth anniversary, we will commemorate the tenth anniversary of 9/11, honor our awardees, and enjoy cultural entertainment.

We are pleased to announce former Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta will be honored at the SALDEF National Gala in recognition of his service to America and commitment to the cause of civil rights.

The first Asian American to serve in any President’s Cabinet, Secretary Mineta experienced racial discrimination first-hand when he was forced to relocate and live in an internment camp after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Despite experiencing one of the worst examples of government-sanctioned racial discrimination in our country’s history, Secretary Mineta has dedicated the greater part of his life to the service of his community and country.

From 1975 to 1995, he served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, during which time he proposed and ensured the passage of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, authorizing a formal apology and monetary reparations to those put in internment camps during World War II. He became the Secretary of Transportation under President George W. Bush in January 2001, after serving as Secretary of Commerce under President Bill Clinton. Following the attacks of 9/11, Secretary Mineta successfully directed all flights over United States airspace to land immediately and won widespread praise for restoring public confidence in the transportation system.

Join us in honoring Secretary Mineta and others who have worked
to protect the rights of Sikh Americans.

For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

The producers of the FX show “Louie” took the time to show the world that Sikhs are part of the American landscape.  In the episode, Louie is driving from New York City to Pennsylvania and comes across some Sikh American kids at the gas station.

Join us in letting FX and the producers of Louie know you appreciate their inclusion of Sikhs in the show by leaving a comment below.

Watch the clip for a limited time at http://www.hulu.com/watch/260145/louie-country-drive.  The scene is just before the 8 minute mark.  (Please note: “The video intended for mature audiences”.)

Outreach Event with US Attorney at SEWA Gurdwara

On August 12, US Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, Sally Yates, joined Sikh community members at SEWA Gurdwara. In her remarks following diwan, Ms. Yates spoke highly of the Sikh commitment to justice and equality. She also reaffirmed her commitment to serving the Sikh American community, stating, “I work for each and every one of you.” Following langar, Ms. Yates met with local community leaders and youth representatives to discuss issues affecting the community. As the US Attorney, Ms. Yates, a presidential appointee, represents the federal government in US district court and US court of appeals. This is the second event US Attorney Yates has participated in this year with SALDEF to better understand the needs of the Sikh American community.

Know Your Rights Forum at Sikh Study Circle

On August 14, SALDEF conducted a Know Your Rights Forum in cooperation with the Sikh Study Circle of Georgia. Over 120 community members participated in the event.  Representatives from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Department of Justice, and Georgia Department of Education spoke to community members about their rights and the resources available to them to combat discrimination and unfair treatment, as well as engaged in a lively question and answer session. The forum gave sangat members an opportunity to gain a better understanding about their rights as citizens and residents of the United States, and connect with local and federal officials, who are tasked with protecting those rights.

SALDEF would like to acknowledge Jagjeet Sidhu and family, as well as Gulbagh Singh Basi and Gursharan Singh Pannu for their support in making these events successful.

If you and your community would like to be similarly informed about your rights, please contact SALDEF at info@saldef.org.

Come join fellow Sikh American aspiring leaders for the Leadership Development Program, an all expenses paid opportunity in Washington, DC from October 7 – 10, 2011. Through an expert team of trainers and speakers, this program will maximize personal potential in order to facilitate community-based social change. Participants will form a diverse and cooperative network of effective leaders and agents of change. The application deadline is August 21. For more information and to apply, click here.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Panel

On July 12 SALDEF Western Regional Director Bhupinder Kaur spoke at a seminar, titled “Worship in the Workplace,” hosted during the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s Conference in San Diego, CA. The seminar, presented to over 140 employers, discussed Sikh holidays and employment accommodation, particularly regarding the turban and beard.  Due to feedback and interest from the employers, SALDEF will work with these companies to conduct similar presentations about Sikhi and creating equality in the workplace at their places of business. To read more, please click here.

Law Enforcement Trainings in MA and FL

On July 13 SALDEF Regional Director Navtej Singh presented to over 60 members of the local and federal law enforcement in Florida as part of an Arab, Muslim, and Sikh American Training.  The training provided information on the Sikh faith and theology, as well as the challenges Sikh Americans face on a daily basis. This training also received coverage on NPR’s Morning Edition.

On July 13 SALDEF Representative Jaswant Singh Channi presented to over 30 officers undergoing training at the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority Academy as part of SALDEF’s Law Enforcement Partnership Program. The training introduced officers to the Sikh faith and illuminated the challenges Sikh Americans face. Participants watched On Common Ground, a training film co-produced by SALDEF and the Department of Justice, to help articulate the steps officers can take to identify and respect members of the Sikh faith.

Upcoming Know Your Rights Forum in Atlanta, GA

SALDEF will conduct a Know Your Rights Forum for the Sikh American community of Atlanta, GA in cooperation with the Sikh Study Circle. The forum will give Sangat members an opportunity to become informed about their rights and connect with local and federal officials who can offer resources and assistance in the context of Employment Discrimination, Hate Crimes, Airport Screening, Government Issued Photographs, and School Bullying. SALDEF will be joined by representatives from the following agencies: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Department of Justice, Atlanta Police Department, and the Georgia Department of Education. For more details, click here.

Apply for Fall Internships!

SALDEF’s Congressional Internship Program partners with congressional offices to offer Sikh American students internships on Capitol Hill. Apply now to spend a semester in Washington, DC interning with a member of Congress. Applications for a Fall position will be accepted on a rolling basis. To learn more and apply, click here.

The SALDEF Internship Program offers students the opportunity to gain direct insight into issues of civil rights, public policy, and the legislative process. Interns gain practical experience in community organizing, research and writing, legal issues, political action, and educational outreach. We are currently seeking a Legislative Intern, Communications Intern, and Media Intern for the Fall in our Washington, DC and Los Angeles, CA offices. Learn more and apply now here.

Upcoming Events:

• Training Long Beach Police Dept. Executive Leadership – Long Beach, CA, Aug 11
• U.S. Attorney Outreach at SEWA Gurdwara – Roswell, GA, Aug 12
• Know Your Rights Forum at Sikh Study Circle – Atlanta, GA, Aug 14
• Law Enforcement Partnership Program – Kansas City, MO, Aug 26
• Sikh American Challenges Post 9/11 at Univ. of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign, IL, Sept 6
• Sikh American Challenges Post 9/11 at Univ. of Indiana – Bloomington, IN, Sept 7

Sally Yates, US Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, will be attending the SEWA Gurdwara located at 10590 Woodstock Road, Roswell, GA 30075 on Friday, August 12.  She will be meeting local community members to learn about issues affecting the community. She will also address the Sangat at the end of diwaan.

Know Your Rights Forum – Sunday, August 14, 1-4pm Sikh Study Circle

We are pleased to announce a Know Your Rights (KYR) Forum for the Sikh American community of Atlanta, GA in cooperation with the Sikh Study Circle of Atlanta, 1821 South Hairston Road, Stone Mountain, GA 30088 on Sunday, August 14, 2011 from 1-4pm.

The forum will give Sangat members an opportunity to become informed about their rights and connect with local and federal officials who can offer resources and assistance in the context of Employment Discrimination, Hate Crimes, Airport Screening, Government Issued Photographs, and School Bullying. SALDEF will be joined by representatives from the following government agencies:

We urge you to join us and discuss your rights as Sikh Americans and to learn how to respond to discriminatory issues that may be happening in your life.

Thankfully, there is a loophole to the extra-screening policy: go to airports that don’t have screening at all! Okay, not literally, but you can go to airports that have less use of the new backscatter, radiation scanning devices that have become all the rage. A website started in 2010 by a man named Ari Ofsevit tracks the security measures at several major airports around the United States. He has color coded the level of security, ranging from green indicating no scanners, to red indicating scanners were used for all or mostly all passengers. Scanners are different from metal detectors, which are instated at every airport. So for an airport like LAX in Los Angeles, Ofsevit has recorded that scanners range from yellow to red, meaning on some instances he could choose a line without a scanner while at other times everyone had to go through scanners. However, LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York was green for the most part, meaning no scanners were being used.

Remember a couple years back when the new whole body imaging machines were causing so much controversy over privacy of the body? Well, apparently if you know how to choose the right airport, you could avoid yourself being vaguely seen by an off-site attendant altogether. As sarcastic as that sounds, I have to admit that I wish our airport security was not so inconsistent. I understand that LAX may be a more frequented airport than LGA, but what makes the people travelling through either airport any more or less threatening. If airports want to have extra security, it should be by extra and equal security. I say TSA should take heed of www.tsastatus.net, not to be threatened or annoyed that citizens are taking notice of the inconsistencies, but to improve and make consistent the security of our nation’s airports.

Coming to you from 634 S Spring Street,
Jasleen K Singh

The deputies who had come to the Sikh household saw the kirpan Kaur was wearing, one of the five religiously mandated articles of the Sikh faith. A deputy pointed a taser gun at her and then called for backup. The family, including her 60 year old mother, was then handcuffed and detained.

Due to this incident as well as evidence of a racist string of emails sent by the Sheriff at that time, the US Justice Department launched an investigation into the Harris County Police Department for alleged religious and racial discrimination.  Recently, current Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia agreed to hire a third party internal affairs expert to monitor his department’s internal affairs division as well as develop “diversity and cross-cultural awareness” for current and new staff.

I commend Sheriff Adrian Garcia for taking a step in a direction that will educate police forces about the diversity of America’s population as well as hold officers accountable for their actions. Law enforcement officers represent the law in our everyday lives. Whether that means calling 911 knowing that a deputy that knows the law will be showing up to help or having to slow down and actually stop at a stop sign, we have a degree of respect and expectation for policemen.  However, when a representative of the law treats us unjustly based on racial or prejudiced grounds, that deputy is violating the very foundation of trust that we put into law enforcement. The actions of the deputies who detained Kawaljeet Kaur and her family were violating the first amendment of freedom of religion. They were not representing the law.

This is why it is so critical to educate and inform the men and women who are most prevalent in the daily lives of Americans. If they are aware of the particular religious dress or practices that people of faith have in this country, they will be better equipped to discern non-threatening versus threatening situations, thereby enabling themselves to focus their time and resources to actual crime.

To read more about the incident in Harris County, please click here.

Coming to you from 634 S Spring St,
Jasleen K Singh

SALDEF’s inaugural Leadership Development Program will take place October 7 – October 10, 2011 in Washington, DC and will bring together Sikh American college students and young professionals for a weekend of leadership training, personal development, and networking.

Through an expert team of trainers and speakers, this program will maximize personal potential in order to facilitate community-based social change. Participants will form a diverse and cooperative network of effective leaders and agents of change. All attendees will also attend the SALDEF 15th Anniversary National Gala on October 8, 2011 at the JW Marriott in Washington, DC.

Participants will:

• Create a personal mission statement
• Develop new skills in public speaking, goal-setting, and peer education
• Increase awareness of personal culture and identity
• Develop a clear understanding of their unique leadership profile

This all expenses paid opportunity will provoke passion, impart real skills, and establish a network of emerging Sikh American leaders. The application deadline is August 21, 2011.

Apply today at www.SikhLEAD.org!

When SALDEF was founded in 1996, it was with a simple idea: to serve and empower the Sikh American community. It is both with a great sense of accomplishment and humility that we observe our 15 year anniversary this week. We know our work would not be possible without the generous support and encouragement of the community!

In our 15 years, we have produced groundbreaking educational resources, addressed anti-Sikh bias in the media, and overturned discriminatory legislation. SALDEF will continue to develop and deliver solutions that ensure we collectively succeed without ever compromising our beliefs or identity.

As the nation’s oldest Sikh American civil rights organization, join us in our mission of creating an America where Sikhs are seen as an accepted and integral part of society. Additionally, join us in celebrating our 15 year anniversary at the annual National Gala in Washington, DC on October 8, 2011. For more details, click here.

The meeting was led and made possible by Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-32), who chairs the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. Representatives of the offices of Congressman John Conyers (MI-14) and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee (TX-18) were also present to support the Sikh community.

Click here to read our joint memorandum to the TSA

Our organizations offer gratitude to the offices of Congresswoman Judy Chu, Congressman John Conyers, and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee for their support of civil rights, as well as to TSA Administrator Pistole and other TSA officials for their willingness to listen to and address the Sikh community’s concerns.

TSA officials pledged to examine the issues raised by the Sikh advocacy organizations, including the status of the current secondary screening policy; the impact of a new risk-based screening policy on Sikh travelers; the screening of Sikh children who wear patkas; updates to cultural sensitivity trainings; and improvements to the TSA complaint process for travelers who are mistreated.

Next Steps

We will continue to insist that TSA adopt a fair and equitable screening policy for all travelers, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, or origin.  In the meantime, if you suffer unfair treatment at an American airport, please contact one of our organizations for assistance.

The DREAM Act is a piece of bi-partisan legislation pioneered by Senator Orin Hatch (R) and Senator Richard Durbin (D). Legislation similar to the bill has been introduced to Congress since 2001 and reintroduced in various other immigration bills. However, it was first introduced as the DREAM Act in 2007 by Senator Durbin. After failing to garner the necessary votes to pass, it was re-introduced in 2009, and most recently in May 2011. Each time, it failed to pass.

Students all across the country have rallied around the Act since its inception. America is known as a land for immigrants to fulfill and accomplish their goals and dreams. The DREAM Act would ensure that young men and women who have lived here most of their lives and perceive themselves as American, can be legally deemed so. Again, the DREAM Act would apply to all illegal immigrants who satisfy the initial requirements. Students like Mandeep Chahal would not have had to face the anxiety and painful ambiguity about the future of her life and her residency in America.

Mandeep is a third year UC Davis student who intends to go to medical school. After eight years of failed appeals to stay in the country, Mandeep and her mother were scheduled for deportation to their home country India on Tuesday, June 21. When friends and classmates of Mandeep first heard about the situation, they started a campaign to stop the deportation. The campaign rallied the support of the South Asian community as well as America’s Voice, an organization dedicated to comprehensive immigration reform. Their website launched a petition for Mandeep. Thousands of letters were sent in from across the country to stop the deportation and to have Mandeep stay at home in California. She and her mother have been granted a year long stay in the United States, a small victory in a battle that plagues many students just like Mandeep.

The DREAM Act would ensure that illegal immigrants who are viable contributors to academia and the workforce are allowed to stay at home in America and to actually utilize the talents and skills they have learned as American students. There are hundreds of cases like Mandeep Chahal’s in every immigrant community in the United States that need legislation like the DREAM Act to ensure that they can pursue their dreams.

Though the bill has not been passed several times, Senator Durbin still has hope. “We’re not quittin. I have not given up on you and you shouldn’t give up on me” (HuffingtonPost). I couldn’t have articulated the need for continued support of this act any better.

Coming to you from 634 S Spring St,
Jasleen K Singh

The attendees were very receptive to the panelists, who went over the background of each religion and outlined the major holidays and possible religious dress that men and women of the religions may adorn at the work. The difference between observing required holidays by the religion and desired holidays by the employee was also a major topic of discussion, to ensure that with this new knowledge of different faiths, employers would be able to tell which requests by employees are legitimate and which are not. Questions from the audience were plenty and frequent throughout the hour and a half discussion, and the conversations were continued well after the seminar. Some asked whether the traditional Indian attire for women, the salwar kameez, was a part of the Sikh faith or just the Punjabi culture. Others were curious as to how to deal with the turban when safety measures, such as those of construction companies, overrule the ability for a Sikh to wear a turban in the field.

For many employers, this was the first time hearing about the Sikh religion, finding out that 97% of people who wear turbans in the United States are Sikh, and realizing that they have Sikh men and women on their staff. These employers have any number of employees under their payroll – reaching out and raising awareness with even one of those in attendance would ensure better hiring practices as well as equality and accommodation in the workplace for employees that do observe a religion.

Kudos to the EEOC for providing such an opportunity for so many employers and for SALDEF to educate others on Sikhism, all towards the goal of equality in the workplace.

Coming to you from 634 S Spring Street,
Jasleen K. Singh

On June 16, Jasjit Singh, along with members from fellow Asian American advocacy groups, met with Senior Advisors from the Obama Administration to discuss community issues. Among the topics discussed were immigration, the DREAM Act, and commemorative events planned for the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Representatives from the White House included Valerie Jarrett – Senior Advisor to the President, Chris Lu – Assistant to the President, Cecilia Munoz – Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, Kiran Ahuja – Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and John Carson – Director of the Office of Public Engagement.

On June 7, SALDEF also met with Akil Vohra, the White House Senior Advisor on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, to discuss the White House’s role in addressing the serious issue of school bullying and harassment. The need for the Obama Administration to address potential backlash against minority communities during 9/11 commemoration events was also relayed.

SALDEF’s Congressional Interns – CORRECTION

Earlier this year, SALDEF introduced the Congressional Internship Program to place Sikh Americans in internships on Capitol Hill. Harmeet Kaur is interning with Representative Judy Chu’s office and Shabd Singh Khalsa is interning with Representative David Wu’s office. We are pleased to welcome these exceptional interns to the Nation’s Capitol for an unparalleled internship opportunity. In a prior release, we incorrectly stated Harmeet Kaur’s congressional internship office – we apologize for this error. The corrected release can be read here.

Presentation at Collegiate Leadership Conference

On June 11, Jasjit Singh presented to the participants of the Japanese American Citizens League’s (JACL) Collegiate Leadership Conference. The presentation examined parallels between the Japanese American experience following the attack on Pearl Harbor and the Sikh American experience following the attacks of 9/11. Participants were also provided an overview of Sikh practices and beliefs.

On June 8, Birpal Kaur spoke on an Interfaith Panel at Laguna Hills High School, along with panelists from the Buddhist, Catholic, Hindu, Mormon, and Atheist communities. Birpal Kaur presented on the Sikh faith to the senior class, who had prepared questions on theology, religious practices, and interfaith efforts. The panelists provided insightful perspectives on the various spiritual and religious paths. To read more, click here.

Pluralism Panel

On June 22, Kavneet Singh took part in a public forum entitled, “Religious Pluralism: Shaping the American Identity”, hosted by the City of Los Angeles Human Relations Commission in Van Nuys, CA. The forum aimed to connect communities and expand conversations in an effort to promote the well being of society. This opportunity allowed SALDEF to engage with civic officials and the greater Los Angeles community in raising awareness about the Sikh faith.

Save the Date – SALDEF National Gala

Please join us for an evening of commemoration and celebration at the SALDEF National Gala on Saturday, October 8, 2011 at the JW Marriott in Washington, DC. As SALDEF’s 15th anniversary, this is an event you won’t want to miss! For more information, click here.

Follow us on Twitter

Become a follower of SALDEF on Twitter and get real-time updates about current events in the Sikh American community, issues we are working on, and meetings we are attending.  Check out our recent activity and follow us at twitter.com/saldef.

Upcoming Events

• 7/12 – Law Enforcement Partnership Program, Jacksonville, FL
• 7/12 – EEOC Panel: Worship & the Workplace, San Diego, CA
• 7/13 – Sikh Awareness Presentation to Transit Police Office, Boston, MA
• 8/27 – Law Enforcement Partnership Program, Kansas City, MO
• 9/20 – Law Enforcement Partnership Program, Birmingham, AL
• 10/8 – SALDEF 15th Anniversary National Gala, Washington, DC

The purpose of SALDEF’s Know Your Rights forums is to (1) educate community members about their rights related to bias or harassment in the workplace, schools, and with law enforcement (2) introduce community members to agencies and groups that can address complaints, incidents, or issues.

Given the recent hate crimes against Sikh Americans in California (see links below), members of the Fresno community expressed concern about racially motivated violence to FBI Supervisory Special Agent, Harriet Dugal. “The FBI wants the Sikh American community to know that these crimes are not tolerated and investigations are underway,” stated Agent Dugal.

READ MORE: Attack of Sikh American Cab Driver in Sacramento
READ MORE: Two Elderly Sikh American Men Shot in Elk Grove

Melissa Barrios, Director of the EEOC Fresno office, spoke about the various types of workplace discrimination that can occur to ensure the community is vigilant about recognizing and reporting such incidents. “One of the most important things that can happen when workplace related discrimination occurs is reporting the incident or situation.  The EEOC protects individuals against employer retaliation and can guarantee anonymity,” stated Ms. Barrios. Both representatives also discussed employment opportunities and career development paths at their respective agencies, encouraging all eligible applicants to apply.

SALDEF would like to thank the agencies and representatives, Fresno sangat members, and the management of Gurdwara Nanak Prakash for making this event successful.

The next Know Your Rights forum in Fresno, CA will include representatives from the Fresno Police Department and the Fresno County School Board to address issues of investigations and school related bullying issues.

Read about recently held Know Your Rights forums in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

If you would like SALDEF to conduct a Know Your Rights forum in your community, please contact us.

One woman asked why there was even a need to even identify oneself as a “Sikh-American” or a “Coptic-American,” and so on. We are all Americans, why the need to indicate a more specific identity? I believe Kavneet Singh answered this question most adequately – we shouldn’t think of the hyphenation as something negative; we should think of it as something being added to being American. Hyphenations do not take away from being American, but add to the diversity that marks the uniqueness of America. There is a difference between acculturation and assimilation that is critical to the hyphenated name. To lose Coptic-, Sikh-, Christian-, Chinese-, Israeli-, is to lose part of one’s history, culture and background. Acculturation to American values and way of life is different from assimilation. To assimilate is to forget roots and history of an ethnic or religious background, and without individuals’ pride in their ties to a certain history, America would be much less interesting place.

Religious pluralism, thus, is not only a matter of recognizing and merely tolerating other religions. It is the acceptance of other religions and the ability to be open-minded towards working with one another to reach goals such as religious freedom in the workplace or the ability to wear religious headdress as a teacher. Many religions face similar problems. Ms. Loskota pointed out that if you want to get a temperature reading of Islamaphobia, ask a Sikh. The targets of many hate-motivated attacks are based on a highly biased perceptions, perpetrated by media, of who the “enemy” is – identified as turbaned, Muslim fundamentalists. Thus anyone that looks Middle Eastern and anyone with religious headdress is targeted and because 97% of those who wear turbans in America are Sikhs, they are especially stereotyped as threats. The media, probably the most powerful tool in creating such biased stereotypes, had done very little to change such biases. Even to this day, major news stations will use images of Sikhs in conjunction with reports about terrorists in the Middle East. The misrecognition and blatant disregard for reality runs deep. That is why it is up to targeted communities to work together and rally behind this idea of religious pluralism in order to create change and overcome the negative perceptions about those who look different from the average Caucasian American, have foreign accents, or alternative religious practices.

The forum was a small but very positive step in a direction of needed change in America’s perceptions of the unknown. I commend SALDEF for contributing to the evening and hope that the Sikh community can continue to be involved with discussions such as these in the future.

Coming to you from 634 S Spring Street,
Jasleen K Singh

Since 2000, over 35 students have participated in the SALDEF Internship Program. Interns work at SALDEF’s national office in Washington, DC or in our Los Angeles, CA office to gain first-hand experience and knowledge about SALDEF’s programs and campaigns to empower the Sikh American community. We are pleased to welcome this summer’s intern class.

Congressional Interns

Harmeet Kaur – Congressional Intern with Representative Judy Chu

A recipient of the academic year and summer Foreign Language and Area Studies scholarships, Harmeet recently graduated from Columbia University with a Master of Arts in South Asian Studies. Her work focused on caste relations in Punjab, and her research took her to Queens, New York to work with the Ravidasi community and document their experiences of caste-based discrimination. Harmeet now wants to combine her academic experience with activism and comes to SALDEF with hopes of improving the representation of Sikhs in the U.S. Along with fighting for minority rights, Harmeet wants to bring attention to caste-based discrimination that occurs within the Sikh community.

Shabd Singh Khalsa – Congressional Intern with Representative David Wu

Shabd Singh Khalsa is a senior at the University of Oregon working towards a B.S. in Planning, Public Policy, and Management. Shabd grew up in the DC area and attended Miri Piri Academy in Amritsar, India from 1999-2005. Shabd is involved in his local Eugene, Oregon community with various service projects. He has also served at Sikh Youth camps as a youth counselor. On campus, he is an active member of the Oregon Student Public Interest Research Group and was recently confirmed as the Executive Appointee to the Athletic Contracts Finance Committee, which drafts a $4 million budget for the Associated Students of the University of Oregon, the largest student government in the country. In his free time, Shabd enjoys music and practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

SALDEF Summer Interns

Jasleen Kaur – Communications Intern (Los Angeles, CA)

Jasleen is entering her third year at the University of California, Berkeley as an Anthropology major. She is highly involved in her local community, attending Sikh conferences, as a leader of her Sikh Student Association, and researching civil rights issues on campus. Her enthusiasm for creating awareness about Sikhs and civil rights has led her to intern with SALDEF for a second summer. She will be conducting bullying prevention surveys throughout the summer, blogging about her experiences as an intern and various topics, and assisting with the drafting of community releases.

Gurrajan Singh – Development Intern (Washington, DC)

Gurrajan recently graduated from Wayne State University with a B.A. in Political Science. An aspiring politician, Gurrajan served on Student Senate as the Community Affairs Chair and as the President of the Sikh Student Association. While in Detroit, Gurrajan engaged the community to improve student life through dialogue with local community and business leaders. Over the years, Gurrajan has worked to create awareness and educate the general public about Sikhs. His desire to bring about positive development in the Sikh community motivated him to join SALDEF.

Jasleen Kaur – Legislative Intern (Washington, DC)

Jasleen has grown up as an active member of the Sikh community of Maryland. She was heavily involved with the annual Hemkunt International Symposium, where she participated for many years. She has also taught at the local Khalsa School and was an initial founder of the Sikh Connection Workshop. After graduating from Drexel University with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in English, she has worked at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and with General Counsel at CNSI, a business in Rockville, Maryland. She also volunteers with CASA of Montgomery, a guardian ad-litem program helping reunite children with their natural parents.

We call our country a melting pot, but in reality the melting pot is holding together individuals that have not yet coalesced. There is no wholehearted acceptance of the diversity that America has to offer or of the Americans who practice different faiths, believe in non-Christian gods, and whose spirituality lies outside “normal,” known religions. If we truly believed in religious pluralism and read the First Amendment as a stamp of approval for the practice of any and all faiths, TSA would not have to continuously update their policies to respect those with religious headdress, surveys would not have to be given out to assess how often children with particular religious background are bullied in school and organizations like SALDEF would be able to focus more on education that fighting hate crimes and injustice across the country. Until the obvious existence of multiple religions in America is recognized and accepted, the very first freedom listed in the First Amendment can only be cited superficially.

Sikhism itself promotes the utmost respect for all religions. There are many paths to reaching God, to attaining Enlightenment. It is not our job to criticize or demean another’s path; instead we should encourage each individual to follow their path and create their own journey. Thus, as Sikhs and as Americans, religious pluralism should be an accepted fact of life.

Religion is a right. Religion is a freedom. To bar the beliefs and practice of faith is unconstitutional. To raise awareness of religious pluralism and to move toward a nation that can honestly uphold its constitutional promises is crucial.

To learn more about religious pluralism, please join us for a Public Forum entitled “Religious Pluralism: Shaping the American Identity” on Wednesday, June 22, 2011, from 6 – 9 pm at Van Nuys City Hall Chambers. SALDEF’s Managing Director Kavneet Singh will be speaking on the panel. It should be an evening of insightful commentary by several panelists with varied viewpoints on the topic.

Coming to you from 634 S Spring Street,
Jasleen K. Singh

Please join us for an evening of commemoration and celebration on

Saturday, October 8, 2011

at the

2011 SALDEF National Gala

J.W. Marriott Hotel
1331 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest
Washington, DC 20004

For more details, visit www.saldef.org/2011Gala.
For sponsorship opportunities, contact us.

I am back at SALDEF this summer interning at the recently opened LA office! That’s right, I get to work in the City of Angels all summer long, using the much berated LA public transportation system – which I will hopefully prove to be somewhat efficient, though I admit that I’ve already started using my car to get into the city. How LA of me.

I got right back into action, helping to organize some last minute details for SALDEF’s annual Southern California Fundraising Banquet which took place last Sunday, June 5. The Banquet celebrated the 15th anniversary of SALDEF – an amazing achievement because each of those fifteen years have been packed with monumental achievements. To read more about the SoCal Banquet, please click here.

Then last week, I headed over to Laguna Hills High School to attend an insightful interfaith panel on which SALDEF Community Relations Associate Birpal Kaur represented the Sikh perspective. Also in attendance were representatives from Buddhism, Catholicism, Mormonism, Hinduism, and a man who adheres to no organized religion at all. Questions from the senior class of the high school ranged from each faith’s beliefs on reincarnation, the definition of faith, misconceptions around their faith, intelligent life-forms and tolerance of other faiths. It was humbling to be reminded that there are so many ways that we can connect with God, and Sikhism is just one path within a myriad of religions and belief systems that guide individuals. Each faith, each belief system has its own place in this world. That’s why it is vital for organizations like SALDEF to protect that right and ensure the ability of men and women to practice their faith unhindered by regulations and attitudes that may be discriminatory and unjust.

I am looking forward to a fun and productive summer packed with similar experiences, meaningful research and definitely a lot of blogging!

Coming to you from 634 S Spring Street,
Jasleen K. Singh

Since 2008, Sahaj Singh Khalsa, a Sikh American paramedic from New Mexico, has been discriminated against by his employer because of his mandated religious identity. Mr. Khalsa has endured disparaging remarks and threats, and, in one incident, was even physically assaulted. The hospital administration targeted him by suddenly implementing a “no-beards” policy in retaliation for his complaints, telling Mr. Khalsa he must either shave or lose his job. Show solidarity with Mr. Khalsa – nearly 1000 letters have already been sent demanding religious accommodation. Take action now!

On May 6, 2011, Navtej Singh Khalsa presented at the Law Enforcement Training Conference in Fort Lauderdale, FL to 65 representatives of the Sheriff’s Hate Crimes Task Force, the US Attorney’s offices, and local police departments. The training, entitled Building Cultural Competence: Arab, Muslim, and Sikh Americans, provided information on the Sikh faith and theology, as well as the challenges Sikh Americans face. The presentation included a viewing of SALDEF’s training video On Common Ground, which was co-produced with the Department of Justice.

A presentation, part of an on-going discussion about diversity and religion, was delivered on June 2, 2011, by Jaswant Singh Chani at Northeastern University in Boston, MA. Jaswant presented on the cultural, religious, and historical traditions of the Sikhs to an audience of over 100 faculty members. To read more, click here. Please contact us if you would like SALDEF to conduct a presentation in your community.

On May 17, SALDEF hosted and presented at the Department of Homeland Security Community Roundtable in Los Angeles, CA. The meeting, held annually in DC and LA, gives community organizations and government agencies the opportunity to discuss current issues and government policies. SALDEF welcomed over 80 participants at our newly opened Southern California office, and spoke to the group about the success of our Law Enforcement Partnership Program (LEPP) over the past ten years.

The Bhujangi Academy is a ten day outdoor camp for boys, ages 13-16, to provide life skills, goals, and expectations, while connecting them to their roots and heritage. The program is directed toward young men that are: having problems in school or with family, exhibiting low self-esteem and/or low motivation, making poor peer and relationship choices, defiant of authority, refusing to take responsibility, or experimenting with drugs or alcohol. The camp will be held from August 1-10, 2011.  Trained professionals, youth role models, and invited guests will all make this a life-changing event that the young men in our community will not want to miss. To register, apply to volunteer, or for more information, click here.

Khoj has announced three scholarships, worth $1000 each, for undergraduate students. The scholarships award students who have demonstrated humanitarian, academic, or all-around excellence. Applicants must be 17-25 years of age, currently pursuing an undergraduate degree at a four year institution, and a U.S. resident. The application, which can be downloaded here, must be submitted by July 1, 2011.

Upcoming Events

• Religious Pluralism: Shaping the American Identity – Van Nuys, CA, June 22
• Know Your Rights Forum – Fresno, CA, June 26
• Worship & The Workplace: A Panel Discussion – San Diego, CA, July 12
• Sikh Awareness Presentation to Transit Police Head Office – Boston, MA, July 13

Jagdeep Singh, a successful Silicon Valley entrepreneur and philanthropist, delivered the keynote address, sharing how Sikh values informed his path and guided his success. Jagdeep is the co-founder and CEO of Quantum Scape Corporation, as well as the cofounder and former CEO of several successful technology startups. His philanthropic interests center on education, supporting various Sikh causes and institutions, and endowing professorships at Stanford University.

SALDEF Western Regional Director Bhupinder Kaur expanded on the organization’s key grassroots efforts and community empowerment programs, such as Know Your Rights forums, trainings done under SALDEF’s Law Enforcement Partnership Program, and Sikh Awareness presentations at local schools. Mrs. Kaur applauded the local community for leading efforts in activism and garnering a positive image of the Sikh community, in conjunction with area gurdwaras.

“It is a defining moment in terms of our ability to grasp who we are and our legacy in this country. This current anti-immigrant climate has affected us and it’s also a moment for our community to decide whether to be victims or step forward and remind our country of our constitutional and founding values,” Kaur said.
SALDEF representatives Jasjit Singh, Associate Executive Director, and Birpal Kaur, Community Relations Associate, also apprised community members of various initiatives to challenge racial profiling and proactively address hate crimes. Jasjit Singh added: “It’s important for us to celebrate the successes, but it’s extremely important to know about the challenges as well, because out of challenges arise opportunities.”

The evening ended with the presentation of a $5,000 grant from the South Asian Bar Association of Southern California by its President, Puneet Kakkar. Entertainment included the Mehndi Group, local performers Gunjiv Singh “Baagi”, Jagmeet Singh “Hoodini”, and a Dhadee Jatha. SALDEF especially thanks community members and the gurdwaras of Southern California for their efforts in planning this successful and memorable event, as well as event photographer Jag Reyatt.

SALDEF conducted two significant trainings in the Atlanta area and informed over 150 employees of the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) and the regional US Attorney’s office about Sikh religious practices.

Georgia DDS Training – Last year, the Georgia DDS denied a Sikh American father and son the right to have their driver’s license picture taken. As a result of SALDEF’s intervention, both men were allowed to wear their dastaar in their driver’s license photo. Additionally, SALDEF demanded that all frontline DDS employees be informed about Sikh religious practices and the significance of the Sikh dastaar.

On April 18, SALDEF Associate Executive Director, Jasjit Singh, conducted a Sikh awareness presentation for approximately 120 customer service representatives and supervisors from all over the state.

According to Alan Watson, Division Director, “The presentation was exceptionally beneficial for our staff. We all have a much better understanding of who Sikh Americans are and what they believe in. Specifically, we understand the importance of the Sikh Turban.”

US Attorney and Executive Staff Training – On April 19, SALDEF conducted a Sikh Awareness presentation for the US Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, Sally Yates, and her executive staff.  The purpose of the presentation was to increase awareness about Sikh Americans among the highest law enforcement officials in the district and highlight the most common problems faced by Sikh Americans. The presentation, which showed SALDEF’s groundbreaking training video, On Common Ground, included a brief history of the Sikhs, introduction to Sikh theology, common challenges faced by Sikh Americans, and recommendations for respectfully engaging with the Sikh American community.

US Attorney Yates stated, “This was one of the most useful trainings I have attended, and I am pleased that we will be further strengthening our relationship with the local Sikh American community over the next several months.”

Presentation to Sikh Study Circle Sangat – On April 17, SALDEF had the opportunity to speak with the sangat of the Sikh Study Circle in Atlanta, GA. Jasjit Singh spoke about the aforementioned incident with the Georgia DDS and the resolution of two other cases of Sikh Americans being denied access to a Georgia courthouse in 2007and 2006. Mr. Singh stressed the need for community members to report all incidents of discrimination or harassment immediately to SALDEF and the proper authorities.

Please contact SALDEF if you would like us to conduct a presentation in your community.

The theme of the summit was “Fighting the Good Fight: Impacting Local, State, and Federal Public Policy”. SALDEF conducted a workshop, entitled “When hate hits home: Being proactive to hate and responding when it occurs,” addressing the impact of religious and racial profiling, workplace discrimination, and hate crimes on South Asian communities.

Through this workshop, participants learned about community challenges from diverse presenters representing the South Asian Diaspora.  Other panelists included representatives from CAIR and Asian Law Caucus.  SALDEF Community Relations Associate, Birpal Kaur, presented on specific incidents facing the community and how these issues affect opportunity and quality of life. The conclusion included strong policy recommendations, addressing the need for stronger legislation in these areas.

The annual summit empowers API organizations through skills training, in-depth strategy sessions, and direct advocacy, and gives participants an opportunity to become stronger advocates, organizers, and leaders.

TAKE ACTION:  Contact hospital urging accommodation and acceptance of religious diversity in their workplace

Mr. Khalsa was employed by Presbyterian Health Services (PHS) as a Paramedic and Field Operations Supervisor for nine years from 2001 to 2010. Beginning in 2008, the working environment at Española Hospital became progressively hostile to Mr. Khalsa and other Sikh American employees. When Mr. Khalsa reported this discrimination to the hospital human resource office, they acknowledged the hostile work environment, but failed to discipline those responsible. Instead of supporting Mr. Khalsa, the hospital administration targeted him by suddenly implementing a “no-beards” policy in retaliation for his complaints, telling Mr. Khalsa he must either shave or lose his job.

READ MORE: Defender of the Faith (Santa Fe Reporter)

Mr. Khalsa proposed a reasonable compromise, offering to wear a larger respirator that would cover his facial hair while he administered aid, but this accommodation was refused without justification. Hospital administration reportedly continued this pattern of discrimination and retaliation. Having exhausted every reasonable option, Mr. Khalsa was forced to resign in December 2010. On May 11, 2011, The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico filed charges with the New Mexico Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against Española Hospital and PHS.

READ MORE: Sikh American Paramedic Sues Hospital for Discrimination

“Presbyterian management’s behavior is unacceptable and un-American. We cannot stand for the systematic removal of all Sikh Americans, or any other minorities, who work for them. I am very appreciative of the support the community has shown to my family and me over the past few weeks. It will be a long road, but the support of the community is a source of strength to me,” stated Mr. Khalsa.

TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION: Show solidarity with Mr. Khalsa now and convey your outrage over workplace discrimination and ask for religious accommodation. In addition to writing a letter, forward this to friends and family.

·    Keeping Media Accountable – CNN, Financial Times, ABC
·    Victory: AZ Governor Vetoes Bill to Remove 9/11 Victim from Memorial
·    Sikh Families Attend White House Easter Egg Roll
·    SALDEF Internships Available
·    Share Your Post-9/11 Story
·    Students: Apply for a Khoj Scholarship!

Keeping Media Accountable – CNN, Financial Times, ABC

On May 6, two major news outlets, CNN and Financial Times (FT), published online articles about Osama bin Laden using images of a Sikh to supplement the news stories. Both images were featured on the outlets’ homepages and were likely viewed by millions of readers. SALDEF contacted editors at both outlets and alerted them to the inappropriate use of the image, at which point both news outlets removed the images. FT acknowledged the error and provided a written apology. SALDEF is currently pursuing an apology from CNN. To read more, click here.

SALDEF also contacted ABC regarding the What Would You Do? episode that was aired on May 6, 2011. During this episode, a Sikh American was portrayed to highlight the issue of employment discrimination, an experience many Sikh Americans face. While the programming certainly served to educate the public on Sikh Americans, SALDEF expressed concern that the individual in the segment was not an actual Sikh. To truly and accurately depict the situation in question, it would have been more effective to use an observant Sikh American. To view the segment, click here.

Victory – AZ Governor Vetoes Bill to Remove 9/11 Victim from Memorial

During a meeting on April 29 with the family of Balbir Singh Sodhi, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer vetoed HB 2230, a bill that would remove Balbir Singh Sodhi’s memorial from the state’s 9/11 memorial. SALDEF thanks the community for its immediate response to our Action Alert; over 7,500 letters were signed in less than three days asking that the Governor veto HB 2230. This success would not be possible without your support! SALDEF commends Rana Singh Sodhi, as well as the entire Sodhi family, and representatives of the Arizona Sikh American community for directly engaging with Rep. Kavanaugh, the bill’s sponsor, and Gov. Brewer to ensure the bill would be vetoed.

Sikh Families Attend White House Easter Egg Roll

On April 25, 2011, President Obama and the First Family hosted 30,000 people in their backyard for the 133rd White House Easter Egg Roll This year’s theme “Get Up and Go!” focused on promoting health and wellness. The White House specifically gave SALDEF 25 tickets to provide to Sikh American families. This is the second year the Obama administration has given SALDEF tickets to ensure Sikh Americans are represented at this festive event.

SALDEF Internships Available

The SALDEF Internship Program offers opportunities for political advocacy and leadership development to passionate and motivated youth. Students gain direct insight into issues of civil rights, public policy, and the legislative process. Interns gain practical experience in community organizing, research and writing, legal issues, political action, and educational outreach. We are currently seeking a Legislative Intern, Communications Intern, and Media Intern; click here for more information on each of these positions and how to apply.

Share Your Post-9/11 Story

As we approach the ten year anniversary of 9/11, SALDEF would like to hear your personal stories and experiences as a Sikh American. What did you or your family experience? How have the events of 9/11 affected you? Along with documenting specific incidents, we want to preserve our community’s story. Submit your written testimony, pictures, and videos at info@saldef.org.

Students: Apply for a Khoj Scholarship!

Khoj has announced three scholarships, worth $1000 each, for undergraduate students. The scholarships award students who have demonstrated humanitarian, academic, or all-around excellence. Applicants must be 17-25 years of age, currently pursuing an undergraduate degree at a four year institution, and a U.S. resident. The application, which can be downloaded here, must be submitted by July 1, 2011. Candidates that are short-listed will be interviewed to determine successful scholarship recipients.

(Washington DC, May 12, 2011) – Yesterday, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico filed charges with the New Mexico Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) against Española Hospital and Presbyterian Health Services for religious discrimination against a Sikh American. The plaintiff, Sahaj Singh Khalsa, alleges that employees and hospital administrators actively discriminated against him because of his religion, making disparaging remarks, threats and, in one incident physically assaulting him. He further alleges that hospital human resources staff made no meaningful attempt to curtail this religiously motivated harassment.

In accordance with his Sikh faith, Mr. Khalsa maintains an uncut beard and wears a turban.

Mr. Khalsa was employed by Presbyterian Health Services (PHS) as a Paramedic and Field Operations Supervisor for nine years from 2001 to 2010. During this time, Mr. Khalsa maintained an exemplary work record and provided excellent care to people in need. However, beginning in 2008 the working environment at Española Hospital became progressively hostile to Mr. Khalsa and other Sikh American employees.

When Mr. Khalsa reported this discrimination to the hospital human resource office, they acknowledged the hostile work environment, but failed to discipline those responsible. Instead, hospital administration targeted Mr. Khalsa by suddenly implementing a no-beards policy in retaliation for his complaints, telling Mr. Khalsa he must either shave or lose his job. Mr. Khalsa suggested a reasonable compromise, offering to wear a larger respirator that would cover his facial hair while he administered aid, but this accommodation was refused without justification.

Hospital administration continued this pattern of discrimination and retaliation until Mr. Khalsa was forced to the conclusion that PHS had no intention of making reasonable accommodations for his sincerely-held religious beliefs as required by law. He also concluded that PHS had no interest in truly addressing the toxic environment of workplace discrimination. Having exhausted every reasonable option, Mr. Khalsa was forced to resign in December 2010.

“All I wanted was do my job helping people in my community get the urgent medical care they needed,” said Khalsa. “My Sikh religion did not prevent me from performing that job, but the prejudice of my supervisors did.” Mr. Khalsa contacted SALDEF last year and sought assistance in exercising his constitutional rights.

“The actions of Española Hospital and Presbyterian Health Services are another example of the widespread and serious problem of workplace discrimination against Sikh Americans,” said Kavneet Singh, SALDEF Managing Director.  “Every day, Sikh Americans face employment discrimination, hate crimes, school bullying, and harassment due to misconceptions about the Sikh identity. Religious intolerance is un-American and unacceptable. We commend Sahaj Singh Khalsa for not compromising his religious identity and demanding his constitutionally guaranteed civil rights.”

Read Sahaj Khalsa’s full affidavit: Sahaj EEOC affidavit

CONTACT: Micah McCoy, (505) 266-5915 Ext. 1003 or mmccoy@aclu-nm.org

(Washington DC, 5/12/2011) – Yesterday, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico (ACLU-NM) filed charges with the New Mexico Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) against Española Hospital and Presbyterian Health Services (PHS) for religious discrimination against a Sikh American. The plaintiff, Sahaj Singh Khalsa, alleges that hospital administrators actively discriminated against him because of his religion, made disparaging remarks and threats, and, in one incident, physically assaulted him.

Mr. Khalsa was employed by PHS as a Paramedic and Field Operations Supervisor for nine years from 2001 to 2010. During this time, Mr. Khalsa maintained an exemplary work record and provided excellent care to people in need. However, beginning in 2008 the working environment at Española Hospital became progressively hostile to Mr. Khalsa and other Sikh American employees.

When Mr. Khalsa reported this discrimination to the hospital human resource office, they acknowledged the hostile work environment, but failed to discipline those responsible. Instead, hospital administration targeted Mr. Khalsa by suddenly implementing a no-beards policy in retaliation for his complaints, telling Mr. Khalsa he must either shave or lose his job. Mr. Khalsa suggested a reasonable compromise, offering to wear a larger respirator that would cover his facial hair while he administered aid, but this accommodation was refused without justification.

Hospital administration reportedly continued this pattern of discrimination and retaliation until Mr. Khalsa was forced to the conclusion that PHS had no intention of making reasonable accommodations for his sincerely-held religious beliefs as required by law. He also concluded that PHS had no interest in truly addressing the toxic environment of workplace discrimination. Having exhausted every reasonable option, Mr. Khalsa was forced to resign in December 2010.

Mr. Khalsa, who contacted SALDEF last year seeking assistance, said, “All I wanted was to do my job helping people in my community get the urgent medical care they needed. My Sikh religion did not prevent me from performing that job, but the prejudice of my supervisors did. I am thankful that organizations like the ACLU and SALDEF are safeguarding our basic freedoms.”

“The actions of Española Hospital and Presbyterian Health Services are another example of the widespread and serious problem of workplace discrimination against practicing Sikh Americans,” said Kavneet Singh, SALDEF Managing Director.  “Every day, Sikh Americans face employment discrimination, hate crimes, school bullying, and harassment due to misconceptions about the Sikh identity. We commend Sahaj Singh Khalsa for demanding his constitutionally guaranteed civil rights.”

SALDEF commends the ACLU of New Mexico for their leadership in this case. If you or someone you know has suffered workplace discrimination, please report the incident.

CNN and FT.com Remove Images Promptly, FT Apologizes

CNN Homepage on May 6, 2011

On Friday, May 6th, two major news outlets, CNN and Financial Times (FT), published online articles about Osama bin Laden using images of a Sikh to supplement the news stories. Both images were featured on the outlets’ homepages and were likely viewed by millions of readers.

Article on FT Homepage on May 6,2011

Within minutes of the images being published, SALDEF contacted editors at both outlets and alerted them to the inappropriate use of the image. CNN removed the image from its homepage within thirty minutes and FT removed the image within three hours.

FT acknowledged the error and provided a written apology. SALDEF is currently pursuing an apology from CNN and seeking an opportunity to conduct a presentation for the CNN staff, as this is the third instance within the last two years that they have inappropriately used images of Sikhs.

In letters to the media outlets, Jasjit Singh, SALDEF Associate Executive Director, stated, “Normally, we would be pleased that [CNN / FT] is using the image of a Sikh to show how the general public is reacting to a story. In this case however, the image negatively impacts the Sikh American community and increases the likelihood of bias against community members by conflating our identity with that of Osama bin Laden.”

SALDEF appreciates the rapid response from both news outlets and is thankful to community members who alerted us about this issue. If you see misrepresentations of Sikhs or the Sikh faith in the media, please contact us.

May 2, 2011: During a meeting with the family of Balbir Singh Sodhi, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer vetoed HB 2230 on Friday, April 29, 2011. The family, who had requested the meeting with the Governor, is overjoyed that the plaque listing the name of Mr. Sodhi will not be removed from the state’s 9/11 memorial. The memorial commemorates Mr. Sodhi’s death on September 15, 2001 as the first individual to be murdered as a result of post-9/11 backlash.

On September 15, 2001, Balbir Singh Sodhi, a Sikh American, was murdered outside of his Chevron gas station in Mesa, Arizona by a man who wanted to ‘kill a Muslim’ in retaliation for the terrorist attacks. He selected Mr. Sodhi simply because he had a beard and wore a turban in accordance with his Sikh faith.

Governor Brewer expressed her deep condolences for the family’s loss and concern over the problematic bill. The Sodhi family and members of the Arizona Sikh American community also met with Representative John Kavanaugh, the bill’s sponsor, on Tuesday, April 26, 2011, during which he apologized for his poorly conceived bill.

“This is why we love this country. The leadership is responsive. When we met with the Governor today and Representative Kavanaugh Tuesday they each honored my brother, our family, and our Sikh community with caring concern. We humbly requested that they help us so that our brother’s part in the local and national 9/11 history would not be denied. Our brother represents all 9/11 backlash victims,” stated Harjit Singh Sodhi.

SALDEF commends Rana Singh Sodhi, as well as the entire Sodhi family, and representatives of the Arizona Sikh American community, including Dr. Jaswant Sachdev and Gururoop Kaur Khalsa, for directly engaging with Rep. Kavanaugh and Gov. Brewer to ensure the bill would be vetoed. Furthermore, the composure and poise consistently demonstrated by the Sodhi family despite their loss should serve as an exemplar for the entire Sikh American community.

SALDEF thanks Governor Brewer for her prompt response in vetoing the bill and our local community partners, especially the Anti-Defamation League of Arizona for its involvement since the outset of this issue.

SALDEF thanks the community for its immediate response to our Action Alert; the Governor’s office received over 7,500 letters in less than three days asking that she veto HB 2230. This success would not be possible without your support!

To read Governor Brewer’s letter explaining why she vetoed the bill, click here.

Arizona Bill Automatically Becomes Law if Not Vetoed by Monday, May 2

April 28, 2011: The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) and thousands of Americans from all backgrounds are demanding that Arizona Governor Jan Brewer veto HB 2230, a bill that removes the memorial of Balbir Singh Sodhi, a Sikh American who was the first post-9/11 fatality caused by hate violence on September 15, 2001. The bill proposes the removal of Mr. Sodhi’s name from the state’s 9/11 memorial and subsequently selling the memorial plaque as scrap metal.

Over 4700 letters have been sent in the past two days to Governor Brewer demanding that she veto the bill. SALDEF encourages Americans to continue to voice their outrage to Governor Brewer and demand that she veto HB 2230 by the Monday deadline, at which point the bill becomes law.

TAKE ACTION: Sign the petition urging Gov. Brewer to veto the bill

The bill’s sponsor, Republican Representative John Kavanaugh, outrageously claimed that Mr. Sodhi “was not a 9/11 victim” after conducting a cursory Internet search. In fact, Mr. Kavanaugh believes the tragic hate crime was unconnected to 9/11. The bill has passed both houses in the Arizona legislature on party-line votes and is now on the desk of Governor Brewer, who has until Monday to veto the bill before it automatically becomes law.

The efforts of the Arizona legislature come as a blow to the entire Sikh American community, which has endured a decade of hate crimes. Whereas Arizona rallied behind the Sodhi family and Sikh American community in the wake of Mr. Sodhi’s tragic murder, the state is now seeking to erase him from its history.

In addition to signing the petition, contact Governor Brewer asking that she veto HB 2230:

• Call: 602.542.4331, then dial option 4
• Facebook: facebook.com/govjanbrewer
• Twitter: @govbrewer

Take action now and forward this to your family and friends.

(Washington DC, April 28, 2011) – Along with thousands of other Americans of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) is demanding that Arizona Governor Jan Brewer veto HB 2230, an Arizona bill that would remove the memorial of a 9/11 hate crime murder victim from the state’s 9/11 memorial and subsequently sell the memorial plaque as ‘scrap metal’.

Since Tuesday alone, over 4500 letters from around the country have been sent directly to Governor Brewer demanding that she veto HB 2230. SALDEF is encouraging Americans to continue to contact Governor Brewer and urge her to veto before the bill would automatically become law in the state of Arizona on Monday, May 2.

#END#

On September 15, 2001, Balbir Singh Sodhi, a Sikh American gas station owner, was the first hate-crime related murder fatality in the wave of post-9/11 backlash. He was murdered outside of his Chevron gas station in Mesa, Arizona by a man who wanted to ‘kill a Muslim’ in retaliation for the terrorist attacks. He selected Mr. Sodhi simply because he had a beard and wore a turban in accordance with his Sikh faith.

The Arizona law (HB 2230) would remove Mr. Sodhi’s name from the 9/11 memorial, because the bill’s sponsor, Republican representative John Kavanaugh ridiculously claimed that Mr. Sodhi “was not a 9/11 victim” based on a simple Google search.

According to SALDEF associate executive director Jasjit Singh: “Hundreds of thousands of Sikh-Americans are puzzled and outraged at the disrespect shown by the Arizona state legislature towards Balbir Singh Sodhi’s memory, family, and the Sikh American community in general. This effort by Arizona Republicans to deny that Mr. Sodhi’s hate-crime murder as a consequence of 9/11 is completely unfounded, unacceptable, and offensive. We kindly implore Governor Jan Brewer to take action against letting Arizona rewrite history and trivialize the first documented hate crime murder in the wake of 9/11.”

SALDEF is encouraging Americans to continue to voice their outrage before the Monday, May 2 deadline, when the bill would become law in Arizona.

April 26, 2011: Arizona Governor Jan Brewer is deciding on signing a bill to remove Balbir Singh Sodhi’s name from the state’s 9/11 memorial and sell his memorial plaque as scrap metal.

TAKE ACTION: Sign the petition urging Gov. Brewer to veto the bill

Arizona Representative John Kavanagh introduced the bill because Sodhi “was not a 9/11 victim.” In fact, Mr. Kavanagh believes the tragic hate crime was unconnected to 9/11. SALDEF is outraged at the disrespect the Arizona state legislature has shown Mr. Sodhi’s memory, family, and the Sikh American community. The efforts by Mr. Kavanaugh and his colleagues to deny the fact that Mr. Sodhi’s murder was a consequence of 9/11 is completely unfounded, unacceptable, and shows a complete failure in leadership.

READ MORE: Mesa man pushes to keep brother’s name on Sept. 11 memorial (Arizona Republic)

On September 15, 2001, Balbir Singh Sodhi, a Sikh American gas station owner, was the first hate-crime related murder fatality in the wave of post-9/11 backlash. He was murdered outside of his Chevron gas station in Mesa, Arizona by a man who wanted to ‘kill a Muslim’ in retaliation for the terrorist attacks. He selected Mr. Sodhi simply because he had a beard and wore a turban in accordance with his Sikh faith.

SALDEF implores the Sikh American community to take action against letting Arizona rewrite history and trivialize the first hate crime in the wake of 9/11. Sign the petition urging Gov. Brewer to veto this insensitive and offensive bill.

As we approach the ten year anniversary of Mr. Sodhi’s death, do not allow the voice of victims of hate to be silenced. Take action now and forward this to your family and friends.

Share this on Facebook.

Founded on the principle of dasvandh, One Tenth Designs, an apparel company that donates 10% of each sale to a non-profit organization, will donate 10% of proceeds made in April to SALDEF. We encourage the Sikh American community to support this charitable company, thereby supporting SALDEF.

Following the opening of the new San Jose Gurdwara in California, a local news station interviewed a number of Sikh American attendees of the celebratory event. In the airing of the segment, however, a young Sikh American student, whose image was displayed, was wrongly identified as a Muslim. SALDEF immediately contacted the local CBS station to notify them of their error, at which point they corrected the segment for the evening broadcast. SALDEF thanks volunteer Satinder Singh for bringing this error to our attention.

Last month SALDEF volunteers Satinder Singh Mahli and Kavneet Singh conducted three one-hour workshops for roughly 100 students at Castro Valley High School in Castro Valley, CA. This is the fifth year SALDEF has been invited to participate in the school’s Days of Diversity event. The first workshop provided an introduction to Sikhi and the history of Sikhs in the U.S., and was followed by a question and answer session, while the second workshop focused on specific civil rights issues faced by Sikh Americans. Students watched a turban tying demonstration and received SALDEF’s 2011 Pocket Calendars and Who are the Sikhs brochures.

Later in the month, SALDEF Chairman Manjit Singh similarly presented on the Sikh faith to social science students at Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda, MD. The group of 25 students were very engaged and active participants in the discussion, and one student even had the opportunity to have a turban tied. If you would like SALDEF to conduct an anti-bullying or cultural awareness presentation at your or your children’s school, please contact us.

Last month, SALDEF staff attended the Safe Schools Advocacy Summit, a three-day summit highlighting national support for the Safe Schools Improvement Act (SSIA). The SSIA, which would require schools and districts receiving federal funds to implement and report on anti-bullying programs, was introduced in the Senate on March 8 and in the House on April 15. As part of the summit, more than 90 meetings were held with Senators, representatives and congressional staff to garner support for this bill, which would importantly protect Sikh American students.

SALDEF has joined a broad coalition in addressing a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) asking for changes to current immigration policies that force the separation of immigrant families. Notably, a 2009 DHS Office of Inspector General report estimated that between fiscal years 1998 and 2007, the federal government deported over 108,000 parents of U.S. citizen children. The letter, which can be read here, urges DHS to reform policies that protect family unity and stability.

• California Asian Pacific Islander Policy Summit – Sacramento, CA, May 2-3
• DOJ Law Enforcement Presentation – Miami, Florida, May 6
• Know Your Rights Forum – Fresno, CA, June 26

(Sacramento, CA): Yesterday, on the steps of the California State Capitol, dozens of California elected officials, including Senate President pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg, and hundreds of members of the Sikh American community and greater California community celebrated the first ever American Sikh Day in California. The event highlighted the history and contributions of Sikh Americans in California and the challenges the community faces.

The event, organized by Sacramento Sikh Temple and Senator Steinberg, included speeches made by a number of elected officials and interfaith and advocacy groups expressing their solidarity with the Sikh American community following the recent rise in attacks against Sikh Americans in California.

In November 2010, Harbhajan Singh was brutally attacked by two passengers in his cab in West Sacramento, CA. The assailants were apprehended and charged with committing a hate crime. Additionally, on March 4th  2011, Surinder Singh (67) and Gurmej Atwal (78) were shot in Elk Grove, CA during their daily afternoon walk. Mr. Singh was found dead, while Mr. Atwal, who was shot twice in the chest, is still in critical condition. The assailants have not been apprehended.

Senator Steinberg stated, “One thing we can all agree on is that prejudice and discrimination have no place in California.  No one should be the vicitm of a hate crime, no one should be the victim of differential treatment, no on should assume something negative about someone because they follow their religion.”

Many politicians, including Steinberg, donned turbans to express their solidarity with the Sikh American community during this troubling time. Three Sikh American youth, Aman Kaur, Gurjeet Singh, and Jujhar Singh, spoke about their experiences as Sikh American youth.

READ MORE: Steinberg, legislators honor Sikh victims of Elk Grove shooting (Sac Bee)

“Today, we come here partly because of tragedy but leave here with unity. It’s important we learn about each other and that’s why I wore the turban to support you all today. We all have common bonds as part of the American fabric and having that common love is what America is about,” stated California State Senator Doug LaMalfa.

SALDEF commends the Sacramento Sikh American community for their vigilance in the wake of these tragic attacks as well as leadership in organizing this forum.

Join us on

Sunday, June 5, 2011
from 5:30pm to 8:30pm

at the
Diamond Bar Center
1600 Grand Avenue
Diamond Bar, CA 91765

Featuring
Live Entertainment
with Keynote Speaker, Jagdeep Singh
and a separate play area for children

For more information about tickets or sponsorship, please contact Birpal Kaur at Click here to email.

Washington, DC, March 28, 2011: Tomorrow, Tuesday March 29, 2011, the Senate Judiciary Committee – Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights will conduct the first-ever Congressional hearing on the civil rights of Muslim Americans. Because of the serious effects anti-Muslim hate has on Sikh Americans and the similar challenges both communities face, SALDEF was asked to submit a statement for the record on behalf of the Sikh American community for the hearing.

The hearing, announced and chaired by Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL), is in response to the recent increase in anti-Muslim bigotry, including Quran burnings, hate crimes, hate speech, and other forms of discrimination. The hearing will consider measures to protect this community’s civil rights in light of the aforementioned issues. The hearing is open to the public and will be held at 10 AM EST in Room 226 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The hearing will also be broadcast live and can be watched here.

SALDEF welcomes this hearing and is pleased that the Sikh American experience will be included as part of written testimony. This hearing is especially relevant given the hearing held on March 10, 2011 by the Committee on Homeland Security by the U.S. House of Representatives on alleged domestic radicalization of Muslim Americans, which unfairly singled out the Muslim American community for scrutiny.

As Sikhs, it is our duty to unwaveringly stand for the rights of all. Reflecting on the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadar Ji demands that our community defend the civil and human rights of everyone, ensuring that no one community is unfairly targeted. Furthermore, the hostile environment being created for Muslim Americans contributes to many of the problems Sikh Americans are currently facing, such as school bullying and harassment, employment discrimination, and hate crimes. We believe in the importance of standing in solidarity with our fellow Americans, as well as ensuring the issues of the Sikh American community are heard by our nation’s lawmakers.

Washington, DC: March 24, 2011 – Last week SALDEF secured a formal apology from RTTV, a global multilingual television news network based in Russia, following their news broadcast that depicted a Sikh man during a report on Muslims. In response to a letter immediately issued by SALDEF bringing this gross error to their attention, RT formally apologized and removed the erroneous broadcast from their website.

The problematic segment, which aired on March 8, 2011, discussed anti-Muslim sentiment in Europe in relation to immigration policies.  As the commentator explicitly reported on Muslims and the caption stated “Flow of immigrants into Europe fuels growing anti-Muslim sentiment,” the image of a Sikh man was shown twice (see image).  For an international outlet such as RT, available in over 100 countries, to conflate Sikhs with Muslims further substantiates misconceptions the public has about Sikhs and the Sikh faith and contributes to the real threats mistaken identity pose to our community.

RT issued a prompt apology, stating, “During that reference our technical crew inadvertently rolled the wrong video and showed a Sikh man. This was in no way intentional nor planned… We deeply apologize to SALDEF and the Sikh community for our mistake.” Furthermore, RT immediately removed the problematic news story from their website and welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with SALDEF on positive programming.

SALDEF will continue to monitor media to assertively respond to such errors that compound the challenges Sikh Americans face. We thank Rattanpreet Singh of Pennsylvania for bringing this issue to our attention and encourage others to similarly report incidents of media bias and distortion to SALDEF immediately.

Members of the community expressed concerns around racially motivated threats within the local Las Vegas community and had a chance todiscuss the issue directly with FBI officials.  “The Sikh American community is every bit a part of the larger Las Vegas community, and we would love to continue to engage with community members and leaders to ensure safety and quality of life,” commented Holly James, the Community Outreach Specialist with the FBI-Las Vegas Division.  Special Agent Jeffrey Williams presented on behalf of the Cyber Crimes Squad, discussing Internet related threats including Identity Theft, social media, and bank fraud.  Having a community that is focused on the development of our Sikh youth, the focus on social media gave the parents in the congregation a chance to really hear and understand the outside threats that families and students are exposed to on a daily basis and how to protect themselves.

The sangat also got a chance to hear from Kenneth Mead, a Detective with the Las Vegas Metro Police Department on the issue of Hate Crimes.  Detective Mead has been part of the Las Vegas law enforcement community for quite sometime, with experience within the Sikh American community via collaboration with SALDEF on various outreach efforts.  He took the opportunity to discuss what the process is for investigating hate crimes, how they are declared as such, and how to report any incidents that happen to Sikh Americans.

Lucy Orta, Local Director of the Las Vegas Office with the EEOC took some time to discuss various types of workplace related discrimination issues, as well as the process in which to report these problems.  It was a great opportunity for community members to connect with her regarding issues they have faced while in the work place or applying for work.  The EEOC and SALDEF have a collaborative relationship that allows Sikh American community members to report issues either directly to SALDEF that will reach the EEOC immediately. We encourage members to report any issues they have in the workplace to SALDEF via info@saldef.org.

All of the agencies representatives also took some time to discuss employment opportunities and career development paths with the community members present, encouraging all eligible applicants to apply.  If you interested in any of the opportunities discussed, please email info@saldef.org.

On behalf of SALDEF, we would like to thank the government agencies that took time our of their Sunday to come and speak with community members in Las Vegas, as well as the Las Vegas sangat members that made the time to engage with the guest speakers during the program at Gurdwara Baba Deep Singh.

If you would like a SALDEF volunteer or staff member to conduct Know Your Rights Forum for your local sangat, please contact SALDEF by email at info@saldef.org.

Last week, on March 10, 2011, Jasjit Singh, Associate Executive Director of SALDEF, was invited as a representative of the Sikh American community to the White House Conference on Bullying Prevention.

The conference, hosted by President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, the Department of Education, and the Department of Health and Human Services, brought together representatives from communities directly affected by bullying to bring attention to the issue and explore resources for those affected by bullying and harassment. This commendable initiative undertaken by the White House and community groups seeks to prevent bullying and provide safe school environments for all students.

The Safe Schools Improvement Act (SSIA), a federal anti-bullying bill, was introduced in the U.S. Senate on March 8, 2011. The SSIA calls on schools and districts that receive federal funds to adopt anti-bullying policies that specifically prohibit bullying or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity. The bill ensures schools focus on effective prevention strategies and professional development and requires states to maintain and report data to the Department of Education in order to develop effective policies. The bill is expected to be introduced in the House soon.

Sikh Americans are urged to support SSIA for its potential impact on our children by asking your respective Senators to endorse the bill. SALDEF will continue to work with coalition partners to push this bill forward and keep the community updated on its progress.

For Sikh Americans, school bullying is a serious and prevalent issue. Students forced to endure bullying and harassment at school are at high risk for , poor academic performance, low self-esteem, social withdrawal, and losing their Sikh identity.

Bullying is not a normal part of childhood. SALDEF urges all Sikh Americans to immediately report any incidents of harassment or bullying to SALDEF and your local authorities. Please contact SALDEF at 1.877.91SIKHS or via our Report an Incident Form.

READ MORE: No Contest Plea in Attack of Sikh Cabbie

Regrettably, this community victory was overshadowed by the tragic shooting of two elderly Sikh American men in Elk Grove, CA, a suburb of Sacramento, just this past weekend. Surinder Singh (67) and his friend Gurmej Atwal (78) were shot during their daily afternoon walk; both men wore dastaars (Sikh turbans) and had beards in accordance with their Sikh faith. The local Sikh American community has been shocked by this fatal shooting, especially because it occurred so soon after the attack on Harbhajan Singh.

On November 28, 2010, Mr. Singh was severely beaten and robbed by two passengers in his cab, as they yelled racial and ethnic slurs and called him Osama bin Laden. Mr. Singh, who wears a dastaar (Sikh turban) and beard in accordance with his faith, managed to escape but sustained serious injuries, including multiple lacerations, a fracture in his face and another one on his spine. SALDEF immediately issued a letter to local authorities, the Department of Justice, the US Attorney and the FBI requesting that they initiate a hate crimes investigation into the attack.

According to Mr. Singh’s attorney Amar Shergill, Mr. Singh is still healing from the physical and mental injuries he sustained during the attack, but looks forward to returning to work. “Mr. Singh is pleased that his assailants have admitted their crimes and will serve an appropriate sentence,” said Mr. Shergill.  “In light of the recent shooting of two elderly Sikh men in Elk Grove, the Sikh community takes some solace in the fact that law enforcement authorities aggressively prosecuted these crimes and that the greater community has been so supportive.”

READ MORE: Attack on two Sikh men seen as possible hate crime

“Attacks on innocent individuals are always inexcusable, but crimes motivated by racial, ethnic or religious bias are especially heinous and have no place in our society,” said SALDEF Associate Executive Director Jasjit Singh. “We are pleased with the outcome of this case and that it was properly pursued as a hate crime and applaud the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office for this prosecution and the West Sacramento Police Department for their exemplary work in apprehending the assailants.”

SALDEF urges all Sikh Americans to immediately report any incidents of harassment, bullying or assault to SALDEF and your local authorities. If you or someone you know has been a victim of any racially motivated crime, please contact SALDEF directly toll free at 1.877.91SIKHS or via our Report an Incident Form

On November 28, 2010, Mr. Singh was severely beaten and robbed by two passengers in his cab, as they yelled racial and ethnic slurs and called him Osama bin Laden. Mr. Singh, who wears a dastaar (Sikh turban) and beard in accordance with his faith, managed to escape but sustained serious injuries, including multiple lacerations, a fracture in his face and another one on his spine. SALDEF immediately issued a letter to local authorities, the Department of Justice, the US Attorney and the FBI requesting that they initiate a hate crimes investigation into the attack.

READ MORE: No Contest Plea in Attack of Sikh Cabbie

According to Mr. Singh’s attorney Amar Shergill, Mr. Singh is still healing from the physical and mental injuries he sustained during the attack, but looks forward to returning to work. “Mr. Singh is pleased that his assailants have admitted their crimes and will serve an appropriate sentence,” said Mr. Shergill.  “In light of the recent shooting of two elderly Sikh men in Elk Grove, the Sikh community takes some solace in the fact that law enforcement authorities aggressively prosecuted these crimes and that the greater community has been so supportive.”

READ MORE: Attack on two Sikh men seen as possible hate crime

Attacks on innocent individuals are always inexcusable, but crimes motivated by racial, ethnic or religious bias are especially heinous and have no place in our society,” said SALDEF Associate Executive Director Jasjit Singh. “We are pleased with the outcome of this case and that it was properly pursued as a hate crime and applaud the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office for this prosecution and the West Sacramento Police Department for their exemplary work in apprehending the assailants.”

Local Sikh Community to Hold Press Conference; Offer $10K Reward for Info on Shooting

March 6, 2011: Tomorrow, Monday, March 7, 2011, the Sacramento Sikh American community will be holding a press conference announcing a reward of $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the shooting of two elderly Sikh American men this past Friday in Elk Grove, CA. Joining the Sikh American community will be leaders from local civil rights and interfaith organizations as well.

WHAT: Press Conference Reacting to Shooting of Two Elderly Sikh Americans
WHEN: Monday, March 7th, 10 a.m. (PST)
WHERE: Sikh Temple Sacramento
2301 Evergreen Avenue, West Sacramento, CA

Surinder Singh, 67-years-old, and his friend Gurmej Atwal, 78-years-old, were shot on East Stockton Boulevard during their daily afternoon walk. A nearby driver spotted the bodies of the elderly men along the sidewalk and stopped to call the police. Surinder Singh was found dead. Gurmej Atwal, who was shot twice in the chest, is in critical but stable condition. Both men wore dastaars (Sikh turbans) and had beards in accordance with their Sikh faith.

READ MORE: Elk Grove shooting investigated as possible hate crime (News10-TV)
READ MORE: Attack on two Sikh men seen as possible hate crime (Sac Bee)

“These attacks on two innocent and elderly individuals are completely inexcusable,” said SALDEF Managing Director Kavneet Singh, from Oakland, CA. “We urge the Elk Grove Police Department and the FBI to ensure a thorough investigation is conducted and that hate crime charges are fully investigated against any culprits that are found.”

The Sikh American community of Sacramento, Stockton and Yuba City, along with SALDEF, are offering a $10,000 reward for information on the crime. Additionally. the Elk Grove Police Department has issued a $1,000 reward and the Sacramento Valley chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SV) today offered a $5,000 reward for information related to the attacks.

Just four months ago, a Sikh cab driver was brutally assaulted in West Sacramento, CA after picking up passengers at a local restaurant. The assailants, who yelled anti-Islamic remarks as they beat the 56 year old driver, were apprehended by the police.

READ MORE: Sacramento Sikh Cab Driver Severely Beaten (SALDEF)

–END–

CONTACT: Kavneet Singh,Managing Director, 510.545.4569, Click here to email

Local Sikh Community to Hold Press Conference; Offer $10K Reward for Info on Shooting

March 6, 2011: Two elderly Sikh American men were shot this past Friday in Elk Grove, CA. Surinder Singh (67) and his friend Gurmej Atwal (78) were shot on East Stockton Boulevard during their daily afternoon walk. A nearby driver spotted the bodies of the elderly men along the sidewalk and stopped to call the police. Mr.  Singh was found dead. Mr. Atwal, who was shot twice in the chest, is in critical but stable condition. Both men wore dastaars (Sikh turbans) and had beards in accordance with their Sikh faith.

Tomorrow, Monday, March 7, 2011, the Sacramento Sikh American community will be holding a press conference announcing a reward of $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the shooting of

Elk Grove Police Chief Robert Lehner said in a statement: “We have no evidence to indicate there was a hate or bias motivation for this crime; however, the obvious Sikh appearance of the men, including the traditional Dastar headwear and lack of any other apparent motive, increasingly raise that possibility.”

READ MORE: Elk Grove shooting investigated as possible hate crime (News10-TV)
READ MORE: Attack on two Sikh men seen as possible hate crime (Sac Bee)

“Theses attacks on two innocent and elderly individuals are utterly inexcusable,” said SALDEF Managing Director Kavneet Singh, from Oakland, CA. “We call upon the Elk Grove Police Department and the FBI to ensure a thorough investigation is conducted and that hate crime charges are fully investigated against any culprits that are found.”

The Sikh community of Stockton, Yuba City, and Sacramento and SALDEF are offering a $10,000 reward for information on the crime. Additionally. the Elk Grove Police Department has issued a $1000 reward and the Sacramento Valley chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SV) today offered a $5,000 reward for information related to the attacks. 

WHAT: Press Conference Reacting to Shooting of Two Elderly Sikh Americans
WHEN: Monday, March 7th, 10 AM
WHERE: Sikh Temple Sacramento
2301 Evergreen Avenue, West Sacramento, CA

Just four months ago, a Sikh American cab driver was brutally assaulted in West Sacramento, CA after picking up passengers at a local restaurant. The assailants, who yelled anti-Islamic remarks as they beat the 56 year old driver, were apprehended by the police.

READ MORE: Sacramento Sikh Cab Driver Severely Beaten

As the new year approaches, it’s time to place your order for SALDEF’s Sikh Awareness Pocket Calendars. This handy resource can be used in your local community to educate and increase awareness of Sikhs and Sikhi.

In their eighth year of production, the 2011 calendars feature full-color images of Sikh Americans, along with examples of core Sikh values and facts about Sikhs in the United States. On the back, the cards have a 2011 calendar in an easy-to-use design.

To reach out even more effectively, Spanish language versions are also available.

The calendars are perfect for distribution at your workplace, schools, convenience stores, gas stations, taxi cabs, senior citizens centers, or public libraries. Sikhs across the nation have shared them with their friends, neighbors, customers, and local officials.

SALDEF encourages the Sikh American community to take initiative in informing and educating others about their culture and faith.

The calendars are available in bundles of 100 for $10 plus shipping and handling fees.

“The pocket calendars are a great way for me to introduce myself to my customers. They are a must have for all Sikh businesses.”
- Oregon Small Business Owner

Order your pocket calendars today!

Congressional Internships: Application Deadline March 27th

SALDEF has partnered with congressional offices to offer Sikh American students internships on Capitol Hill. Apply now to our Congressional Internship Program to spend your summer in Washington, DC interning with a member of Congress. Make this a summer you won’t forget and gain valuable experience to build your future. The application deadline for Summer 2011 is March 27. To learn more and apply, visit www.sikhlead.org.

SALDEF Participates in White House Meeting About Anti-Bullying Efforts
On January 26, the White House in coordination with the Department of Justice and Department of Education held a meeting with Asian American and Pacific Islander groups to discuss federal anti-bullying laws and initiatives.  The meeting represents increased collaboration between the organizations and the federal agencies to address one the communities most serious issues.  To report bullying related issues to SALDEF, click here.

Order Your 2011 Sikh American Pocket Calendars Today!
This handy resource can be used in your local community to educate and increase awareness of Sikhs and Sikhi.  The calendars feature full-color images of Sikh Americans, along with examples of core Sikh values and facts about Sikhs in the United States. On the back, the cards have a 2011 calendar in an easy-to-use design. Sikhs across the nation have distributed them at their workplace, schools, convenience stores, gas stations, taxi cabs, senior citizens centers, and public libraries. The calendars are available in bundles of 100 for $10 plus shipping and handling.  Order here.

SALDEF Joins Rights Working Group in Protest of Racist Hearings
Chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security Representative Peter King (R-NY) is planning to hold a series of Congressional Hearings on the “radicalization” of Muslim Americans. SALDEF feels these hearings are discriminatory and will increase the likelihood of hate crimes and racial profiling across the country.  The hearings pose a risk to all communities that have been targeted based on their race and religious beliefs. The sign-on letter raises concerns about these hearings and their impact on religious profiling.  The effort is being led by our partners at the Rights Working Group.

All Sikhs Encouraged to Celebrate March 14th as Sikh Environment Day
Sikhs across the world will celebrate March 14th, Gurgaddi Diwas of Guru Har Rai Ji as Sikh Environment Day. During this week, 101 Gurdwaras in the Sikh Diaspora and 101 Gurdwaras in Punjab will celebrate the day by holding divaans and events on the environment. Please visit www.ecosikh.org to learn more.

National Geographic Apologizes to Sikh Americans
Earlier this month, SALDEF received an apology from National Geographic for their misrepresentation of Sikh Americans in a documentary titled “Inside Al-Qaeda.”  Although the company has agreed to remove the offensive segment from the documentary, SALDEF is exploring the opportunity to create positive programming on Sikh Americans.

Upcoming Events:
1.    DOJ Law Enforcement Training — Panama City, FL — March 17th
2.    Know Your Rights Forum – Las Vegas, NV — March 20th
3.    Presentation at Days of Diversity Forum – Castro Valley, CA — March 24-25th
4.    Deadline for Congressional Internship Program — March 27th
5.    Know Your Rights Forum — Sacramento, CA — April 16th
6.    Sikh Awareness Training for Dept. of Driver Services — Atlanta, GA — April 18th

The Know Your Rights program creates an open forum encouraging all Sikh Americans to understand their rights.

As a part of SALDEF’s ongoing effort to empower the community and strengthen partnerships with government, we are pleased to announce a Know Your Rights (KYR) Forum for the Sikh American community of Las Vegas and Clark County, NV in cooperation with the Gurdwara Baba Deep Singh on Sunday, March 20th from 2-4pm.

The following government agencies and representatives will provide community members with important information about employment discrimination, hate crimes, and government resources. Additionally, this will be an opportunity to network with government recruiters and discuss employment opportunities.

	Lucy Orta Director U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
	Superintendent Dwight Jones (Invited) Superintendent Clark County School District Nevada Department of Education
	Holly James Community Outreach Specialist Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Kenneth Mead
Detective
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department

Since 2002, SALDEF has organized numerous educational workshops for Sikh American communities in Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

SALDEF would like to thank the management of the Gurdwara Baba Deep Singh and the leaders of the local Sikh American community, as well as the participating government agencies for their support.

For additional information about this event or if you would like to organize a Know Your Rights Forum for your community, please contact Birpal Kaur by email at info@saldef.org or via phone at 213.985.1116.

Please distribute this widely to family, friends and at the local Gurdwara.

The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) is pleased to announce a national initiative called SikhLEAD – Sikh Leadership, Empowerment and Development. SikhLEAD aims to inspire, train, and support a diverse, motivated and enterprising group of young Sikh Americans as they prepare for a lifetime of community engagement and leadership.

SikhLEAD is a multifaceted initiative consisting of several programs that will be offered annually to aspiring Sikh youth. The Congressional Internship Program (CIP) is the first effort in this series of programs. In its inaugural session, SALDEF’s CIP will select exceptional Sikh students to intern this summer with a member of Congress in Washington, DC.

The internship will afford a first-hand perspective into the functioning of the federal government, as a way of providing experience-based training to individuals interested in civic engagement and public service. Through the unparalleled experience of interning in a
congressional office, interns will:

•    explore a potential career track
•    create a network of professional contacts
•    develop real-world skills
•    build confidence and professional skills

Applications are due March 27, 2011 – Apply today at www.SikhLEAD.org.

Developing the next generation of Sikh American leaders and encouraging their civic participation is an important step in securing the future of our community in the United States. We believe that by providing opportunities to explore potential careers in public service, a growing number of Sikh Americans youth will pursue positions of leadership in civic society, thereby increasing visibility and awareness of Sikh Americans and advancing our community’s interests.

Washington, DC: January 27, 2011 – Last week, the
Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) secured a formal apology from National Geographic, following the broadcasting of images of Sikhs linking them to terrorism and Al Qaeda. Furthermore, the program in question has been edited to remove the images of Sikhs altogether for any future broadcasts, ensuring further misrepresentations of the Sikh community will not occur.

The program, entitled “Inside Al Qaeda,” examines the Islamic terrorist network and the overall threat of home grown terrorism in America and around the world. Forty-six minutes into the broadcast, as the narrator discusses issues related to home grown terrorism, the images of two Sikhs visiting the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC are shown. Although the program provides important insight into the issue of terrorism, it serves a great disservice to the Sikh American community by conflating them with Al Qaeda and extremists.

Earlier this month, SALDEF issued a letter to National Geographic asking for immediate removal of the images and an apology for the gross error. SALDEF stressed the danger of a reputable media outlet furthering misconceptions Americans have about Sikhs and Sikhism, by drawing attention to the rise in discrimination, harassment, and hate crimes against Sikhs who are wrongfully perceived as terrorists.

National Geographic issued a prompt apology, stating, “The images of the Sikhs should not have been in the program and we apologize for any disrespect or inconvenience this may have caused the Sikh-American community. We have edited the program to remove the images. We thank you again for bringing this to our attention, and we hope you accept our sincere apology.”

“We appreciate the prompt response and apology from National Geographic acknowledging their error,” said SALDEF Associate Executive Director, Jasjit Singh. “This experience highlights the need for Sikh Americans to be vigilant against inaccurate portrayals of our community in the media. Such inaccuracies promote misconceptions and increase the challenges our community faces.”

SALDEF would like to thank Kanwarjeet Singh of New Jersey for bringing this issue to our attention and encourages others to similarly report incidents of media bias and distortion to SALDEF immediately.

Past media watch efforts by SALDEF:
·    SALDEF Objects to Offensive Movie Title
·    India Herald Apologizes to Sikh Community for Offensive Cartoon
·    Texas Radio Station Apologizes for Anti-Sikh Remarks
·    Gallup Organization Removes Inaccurate Images of Sikhs

It’s not too late to place your order for SALDEF’s Sikh Awareness Pocket Calendars. This handy resource can be used in your local community to educate and increase awareness of Sikhs and Sikhi. The calendars feature full-color images of Sikh Americans, along with examples of core Sikh values and facts about Sikhs in the United States. On the back, the cards have a 2011 calendar in an easy-to-use design. Sikhs across the nation have distributed them at their workplace, schools, convenience stores, gas stations, taxi cabs, senior citizens centers, and public libraries.

SALDEF Trains Fire Department in Maryland

SALDEF conducted a Sikh Awareness Training last month for 50 members of the Howard CountyFire and Rescue Team in Maryland. The presentation introduced audience members to Sikh beliefs and practices and was followed by a lively question and answer session. Participants were given supplementary resources produced by SALDEF, including Who are the Sikhs brochures.

SALDEF Meets with U.S. Attorneys

SALDEF met with 23 U.S. Attorneys last month to discuss best practices for outreach to the Sikh, Arab-American, Muslim, and South Asian communities. During the meeting, which was organized by the Department of Justice, SALDEF highlighted the need for the U.S. Attorney’s to increasingly engage with the Sikh American community, especially due to the rise in hate crimes against Sikh Americans. Participants were given a copy of SALDEF’s law enforcement training video, On Common Ground.

Presentations to Youth in Texas and California

In the past month, SALDEF volunteers delivered presentations developed by SALDEF to students. In San Antonio, Texas, Juspreet Kaur gave an introduction to the Sikh faith to elementary school students. In San Joaquin, California, SALDEF Volunteer Attorney Raj Singh Badesha gave an anti-bullying presentation to 80 Sikh kids, during which bullying, peer pressure, and ignorance were discussed. If you would like similar resources and presentations to educate students in your community, please contact us at Click here to email.

Executive Director Position Open

SALDEF is currently seeking a highly qualified and motivated individual to fill the position of Executive Director. The successful candidate will give vision and leadership to strategic and day-to-day program implementation, as well as execute the goals and objectives of the organization. The Executive Director will be responsible for giving direction to the staff and work closely with the Board to further the mission of SALDEF. For more details, click here.

Support the Sixth River Film – Chhevan Dariya

Chhevan Dariya, a film by Ish Amitoj Kaur and Noor Nissan Productions, is now available for purchase for $10. This quality film subtley examines contemporary social problems affecting Sikhs in Punjab through a compelling and engaging plot. The film effectively draws attention to issues such as female feticide, drug abuse and the drug mafia, and the alarming rate of AIDS in Punjab. The message of the story is one of optimism in that the Diaspora will revitalize Punjab as its “sixth river.” To support this endeavor and purchase your copy, please click here.

Fred Korematsu Day Celebration in California

Celebrate the first Fred Korematsu Day on January 30, 2011 at UC Berkeley’s Wheeler Auditorium! The program includes keynote speaker Reverend Jesse Jackson, spoken word artist Beau Sia, as well as tributes from Karen Korematsu and California Assembly Members Warren Furutani and Marty Block. SALDEF, an organizational co-sponsor of the event, encourages Sikh Americans in California to celebrate the life and work of this civil rights activist. To learn more about this historic event, click here.

Sacramento Hate Crime Update

Last week, West Sacramento police arrested the two assailants responsible for attacking Harbhajan Singh, a 56-year old cab driver in Sacramento, CA.  On November 28th, Mr. Singh was severely beaten by two passengers in his cab as they yelled racial slurs.  He  managed to escape, but sustained serious injuries. SALDEF immediately issued a letter to local authorities and the FBI requesting that they initiate a hate crimes investigation into the attack.

Order Your 2011 Sikh American Pocket Calendars Today!

As the new year approaches, it’s time to place your order for SALDEF’s Sikh Awareness Pocket Calendars. This handy resource can be used in your local community to educate and increase awareness of Sikhs and Sikhi. The calendars feature full-color images of Sikh Americans, along with examples of core Sikh values and facts about Sikhs in the United States. On the back, the cards have a 2011 calendar in an easy-to-use design. Sikhs across the nation have distributed them at their workplace, schools, convenience stores, gas stations, taxi cabs, senior citizens centers, and public libraries. The calendars are available in bundles of 100 for $10 plus shipping and handling fees.

Racial Profiling Presentation to Leadership Conference on Civil Rights

On November 16th, SALDEF presented in a program called “I Am More Than A Profile,” to the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights (LCCR). The program highlighted challenges facing minority communities who are often targets of racial profiling. SALDEF provided a background on the Sikh faith and then explained some the issues regarding racial profiling affecting the community, such as the latest TSA policies. SALDEF was joined in the presentation by partner organization, the Rights Working Group.

FBI Hate Crime Statistics Presentation

On November 8th and 9th, SALDEF presented to a subcommittee of the FBI’s Hate Crime Statistics Unit to advocate for an “Anti-Sikh” category to be added to the Crime Reporting Form.  Currently, there is no category, and anti-Sikh hate crimes are most often times categorized as anti-Muslim/anti-Arab or simply “Other.”  The addition of the anti-Sikh category would greatly benefit the community in accurately documenting the number of hate crimes committed against Sikh Americans. If you feel you have been the victim of a hate crime, please promptly contact SALDEF.

Know Your Rights Forum in Los Angeles

On November 14th, SALDEF conducted a Know Your Rights Forum for the Los Angeles Sikh American community at the Khalsa Care Foundation.  Representatives from the FBI, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and Department of Justice participated in a presentation and discussion, covering issues such as cyber fraud, hate crimes, and employment discrimination. Each agency also presented career opportunities in their respective agencies. To conduct a forum in your community, please contact us.

Sikh Americans Celebrate Guru Nanak’s Gurpurab at White House

On November 19th, SALDEF, along with other organizations and community members from across the nation, joined representatives from the White House and other federal agencies in celebrating the 541st birthday of Guru Nanak. Through kirtan, speeches, and ardas, the audience reflected upon the life and teachings of the first Sikh Guru.  SALDEF commends President Obama’s administration in engaging with the Sikh American community but encourages it to increase its level of commitment to the important issues facing our community.

High School Scholarship Opportunity

The Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF), an organization working towards ensuring that all Asian American students have opportunities to pursue a college career, is now accepting scholarship applications.  SALDEF encourages all eligible Sikh American students to apply to this opportunity.  Eligibility requirements include, enrolling in an accredited university, a letter of recommendation, and a minimum GPA of 2.7.  For more details and the online application, please click here.

In early October, The Washington Times reported statements made by Director Mueller, which singled out Sikh Americans and linked them to extremist groups. SALDEF immediately issued a letter of concern calling for Director Mueller to clarify his remarks and issue a formal apology to the Sikh American community.

In response to SALDEF’s letter of concern, the Office of the Director writes:

“I would like to apologize for, and clarify, any misunderstanding that the account in this newspaper story may have caused. The statement cited was intended to reiterate the FBI’s responsibility for, and commitment to, deterring and investigating terrorist threats and activity. I can assure you it was not meant to single out any specific community, including Sikh-Americans.”

The letter went on to recognize SALDEF’s partnership with the FBI:

“The FBI and you, representing Sikh Americans and communities across the country, have worked closely together and developed an ongoing dialogue on a variety of issues of mutual interest. This includes cultural awareness training to agents and professional staff, giving all of us a greater awareness into the struggles and concerns you face in relation to hate crimes and public misconception of your faith.”

“We are pleased that the FBI has addressed this issue promptly, however, this is indicative of the need for greater dialogue with the Bureau,” stated Jasjit Singh, SALDEF Associate Executive Director.  ”SALDEF will continue to ensure that public officials do not malign or otherwise denigrate the Sikh American community with their comments or actions.”